The word oppress comes from the Latin oppressus, past participle of opprimere, ("to press against", "to squeeze", "to suffocate").

What does oppressed mean in history?

1a : to crush or burden by abuse of power or authority The country has long been oppressed by a ruthless dictator. oppressed minorities. b archaic : suppress.

What does oppression mean in the Bible?

1a : unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power the continuing oppression of the …