English Explanatory Dictionary

oppress

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To keep down by unjust force.
  2. To make sad or gloomy.
  3. Physically to press down on (someone) with harmful effects; to smother, crush.
  4. To sexually violate; to rape.
noun
  1. Oppression.

Pronunciation

/əˈpɹɛs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-oppress.wav

Word forms

oppress oppresses oppressing oppressed no-table-tags glossary oppressest oppressedst oppresseth

Etymology

From Middle English oppressen, from Old French oppresser, from Medieval Latin oppressare (“to press against, oppress”), frequentative of Latin opprimere, past participle oppressus (“to press against, press together, oppress”), from ob (“against”) + premere, past participle pressus (“to press”); see press.

Synonyms

suppress begloom get down aggrieve attrist begrieve besorrow grieve pain bring down come down on contristate darken dash deject depress desolate dispirit engrieve forset grieven moan oppress repent rue sadden sadden up tristitiate ungladden unhappy upset downbear squash outrage violate vitiate abuse constuprate defile defoul dishonour force misuse pollute rape ravage ravish r-word scotch turn out viole grape

Related words

oppression oppressive

Derived words

oppressee oppressor reoppress
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