oppresses; oppressed; oppressing
1
: to treat (a person or group of people) in a cruel or unfair way
The country has long been oppressed by a ruthless dictator.
They condemned attempts by the government to oppress its citizens.
people who have traditionally been oppressed by society
oppressed minorities/people
2
: to make (someone) feel sad or worried for a long period of time
—usually used as (be) oppressed
He was oppressed by a sense of failure.
The family was oppressed by grief.
Cite this Entry
“Oppress.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/oppress. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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