oppressed
oppressed Lexical Profile
oppressed Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Subjected to harsh, unjust, or authoritarian treatment and control.
"The civil rights movement gave a powerful voice to oppressed communities across the nation."
Weighed down mentally or emotionally by worry, hardship, or an uncomfortable environment.
"He felt oppressed by the stifling summer heat and the looming deadline."
• noun
People who are subjected to harsh, unjust, or authoritarian treatment (usually preceded by 'the' and treated as plural).
"Throughout her career, the human rights lawyer advocated tirelessly on behalf of the oppressed."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as a noun, 'oppressed' is a nominalized adjective that almost always requires the definite article ('the oppressed') and takes a plural verb.
• Rhymes for oppressed
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed from the verb 'oppress', which entered Middle English via Old French from the Latin 'oppressus', the past participle of 'opprimere' ('to press against, crush, or stifle').