Basic Details
Word: Oppress
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To treat someone in a cruel or unfair way, often taking away their rights or freedom.
Synonyms: Subjugate, persecute, tyrannise
Antonyms: Liberate, free, empower
Idioms and Phrases
- Under the thumb: To be controlled by someone else, usually in a negative way. Example: "He felt like he was under the thumb of his strict boss."
- Pushed to the wall: To be in a very difficult situation where you have no choice. Example: "When she lost her job, she felt pushed to the wall and had to find a new one quickly."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Many people fought to overthrow the government that oppressed their freedoms for years.
Example 2: It is important to stand up for those who are oppressed and help them find their voice.
Example 3: The book tells the story of how a small community managed to resist and overcome those who tried to oppress them.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "oppresse" comes from the Latin "opprimere," which means "to press down"? It reflects the idea of being weighed down or held down by someone else's power.
Famous Quote
"The oppressors do not perceive their oppression, and the oppressed do not perceive their freedom." - Paulo Freire
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "oppress" mean?
a) To help someone
b) To treat someone cruelly or unfairly
c) To play a sport
d) To teach a lesson
Answer: b) To treat someone cruelly or unfairly
2. Which of these is a synonym of "oppress"?
a) Liberate
b) Subjugate
c) Encourage
d) Celebrate
Answer: b) Subjugate
3. What is the opposite of "oppress"?
a) Control
b) Empower
c) Tyrannise
d) Dominate
Answer: b) Empower
4. Which sentence uses "oppress" correctly?
a) The company was praised for how it oppressed its staff.
b) The movie depicts how rulers oppress their citizens.
c) I decided to oppress a new song to play.
d) She liked to oppress by playing the piano.
Answer: b) The movie depicts how rulers oppress their citizens.
5. Which idiom means being under control in a negative way?
a) Pushed to the wall
b) Over the moon
c) Under the thumb
d) In seventh heaven
Answer: c) Under the thumb
