Meaning & Definition of word "Oppressed"

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.