Meaning & Definition of word "Oppressed"

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    Oppressed

    /əˈprɛst/

    verb:

    • 1. Past tense of 'oppress'; to have subjected someone or something to harsh treatment or control.
      • Example: Throughout history, various regimes have oppressed their citizens.
    • 2. To have caused someone to feel heavy or weighed down by difficulty.
      • Example: The constant pressures of work and life oppressed her spirit.

    adjective:

    • 1. Burdened by unjust power or authority; subjected to harsh treatment or control.
      • Example: The oppressed citizens fought bravely for their rights against the tyrannical regime.
    • 2. Having been subjected to prolonged and unjust treatment.
      • Example: Many oppressed groups around the world continue to seek equality and justice.
    • 3. Suppressing or inhibiting one's feelings or thoughts.
      • Example: She felt oppressed by the weight of her unexpressed emotions.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'opprimere' meaning 'to press down, crush, overwhelm'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    oppressed class:

    a group of people that suffers from systemic inequality or exploitation.

    oppressed minority:

    a smaller social group that experiences marginalization and discrimination.

    oppressed people:

    a broader term for groups suffering under authoritarian regimes or conditions.

    Related Words

    oppression:

    The act of oppressing or the state of being oppressed.

    oppressor:

    A person or system that oppresses others.

    repression:

    The act of holding down or suppressing someone or something.

    Slang Meanings of oppressed

    Meaning: Feeling crushed under pressure.

    Example Sentence: I'm feeling so oppressed by all this work!

    Meaning: Used to describe someone stifled by societal norms.

    Example Sentence: She feels so oppressed by the expectations to conform.