Main Entry:

op·press

Pronunciation:

\ə-ˈpres\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

1 aarchaic : suppress b: to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority2: to burden spiritually or mentally : weigh heavily upon

synonyms see wrong

— op·pres·sor \-ˈpre-sər\ noun