B2
oppress vs repress vs suppress
The difference
| Word | Meaning | Goes with | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| oppressverb/əˈpres/ | Meaning to treat a group of people in a cruel and unfair way, using power to control them | Goes with oppress minorities | Example For centuries the ruling class oppressed the farmers and took most of their crops. |
| repressverb/rɪˈpres/ | Meaning to stop yourself from showing a feeling, or to control people by force | Goes with repress emotions | Example Many people repress painful memories from their childhood. |
| suppressverb/səˈpres/ | Meaning to stop something from developing or being shown, often by force or effort | Goes with suppress a smile | Example She couldn't suppress a smile when he walked in. |
Which word fits?
1 of 8Pick the word for the gap. Its form may change in the sentence.
Stress can the immune system.