to crush (e.g. a people) by harsh or authoritarian rule
The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed — Steve Biko
to weigh heavily on the mind or spirit of (somebody)
oppression noun
oppressor noun
[Middle English oppressen via French from medieval Latin oppressare, from Latin oppressus, past part. of opprimere to press against, from op- + premere press1]