Definitions

oppress

[uh-pres] / əˈprɛs /

VERB

depress, subdue

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afflict annoy beat down harass maltreat overwhelm persecute pick on prey on subjugate suppress torment torture trample vex

STRONG

abuse aggrieve burden crush dishearten dispirit distress encumber force harry hound outrage overcome overload overpower overthrow plague press ride rule sadden saddle smother strain subdue tax trouble worry wrong

WEAK

despotize keep down put down put screws to put the squeeze on put upon tyrannize weigh heavy upon

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist comfort help make happy please soothe

STRONG

benefit calm compliment delight encourage give in inspirit leave alone let go praise release surrender yield

WEAK

boost gladden

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"These rules lack humanity and rationality, and they oppress us every day."

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

The experience is the opposite of what one feels by the image glut and sound bites of modern life, the psychologically destabilizing ether of digital distractions that can oppress the soul.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2025

But that doesn’t mean she’s motivated by a desire to oppress.

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2024

“But we certainly don’t want to oppress churches or a family member from getting out their family.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

After the death of Duke Filippo, the Milanese employed Francesco Sforza to wage war against the Venetians; having defeated the enemy at Caravaggio, he joined with them to oppress the Milanese, his employers.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Vocabulary lists containing oppress

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

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List 7

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