oppress

verb op·press \ə-ˈpres\

: to treat (a person or group of people) in a cruel or unfair way

: to make (someone) feel sad or worried for a long period of time

Full Definition of OPPRESS

transitive verb

a archaic : suppress

b : to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority

: to burden spiritually or mentally : weigh heavily upon

— op·pres·sor \-ˈpre-sər\ noun

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Origin of OPPRESS

Middle English, from Anglo-French oppresser, from Latin oppressus, past participle of opprimere, from ob- against + premere to press — more at ob-, press

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to OPPRESS

Synonyms: bum (out), burden, dash, deject, get down, depress, sadden, weigh down

Antonyms: brighten, buoy, cheer (up), gladden, lighten, rejoice

Synonym Discussion of OPPRESS

wrong, oppress, persecute, aggrieve mean to injure unjustly or outrageously. wrong implies inflicting injury either unmerited or out of proportion to what one deserves <a penal system that had wronged him>. oppress suggests inhumane imposing of burdens one cannot endure or exacting more than one can perform <a people oppressed by a warmongering tyrant>. persecute implies a relentless and unremitting subjection to annoyance or suffering <a child persecuted by constant criticism>. aggrieve implies suffering caused by an infringement or denial of rights <a legal aid society representing aggrieved minority groups>.