B1verbformalsocietypolitics
US/əˈpres/
UK/əˈpres/
to treat a group of people in a cruel and unfair way, using power to control them
In context
For centuries the ruling class oppressed the farmers and took most of their crops.
The government was accused of oppressing minority groups in the north.
Many women felt oppressed by laws that gave them no say in public life.
Words that go with oppress
verb + noun
- oppress minoritiesThe regime used fear to oppress minorities.
- oppress peopleNo leader has the right to oppress people.
- oppress the poorThe old laws were designed to oppress the poor.
- oppress workersFactory owners were accused of oppressing workers with unpaid overtime.
- oppress womenStrict rules oppressed women in that society.
- oppress and exploitThey were oppressed and exploited by their employers.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The workers were oppress by the factory owner.Correct: The workers were oppressed by the factory owner.