oppress (RULE) verb [T]
 to govern (people) in an unfair and cruel way and prevent them from having opportunities and
 freedom
 For years now, the people have been oppressed by a ruthless dictator.

 oppression  noun [U]
 Every human being has the right to freedom from oppression.
 War, famine and oppression have forced people in the region to flee from their homes.
 She said that the oppression of women would not be ended simply by changing the law.

 oppressive  adjective
 an oppressive military regime
 oppressive taxes

 oppressively  adverb

 oppressiveness  noun [U]

 oppressor   noun [C]
 Sisters, we must rise up and defeat our oppressors.