oppress
verb (used with object)
to burden with cruel or unjust impositions or restraints; subject to a burdensome or harsh exercise of authority or power.
was oppressing
-
past progressiveof oppress.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“We took out a horrendous, horrible leader who was oppressing his own people,” Jost said.
From Salon ● Mar. 1, 2026
The Hanukkah story goes something like this: A tyrannical ruler was oppressing the Jews.
From Salon ● Dec. 2, 2018
I didn’t want to play an officer who was oppressing people.
From New York Times ● Apr. 19, 2018
So I think we should all look at this story, in the sense that this was one person who stood against a system that was oppressing people.
From The Verge ● Sep. 11, 2016
"Let's think about it a bit longer," he finally said, with a long intaking of breath, which told more plainly than words, how the situation was oppressing him.
From The Boy Ranchers Among the Indians or, Trailing the Yaquis by Baker, Willard F.
