ENGLISH
REFERENCE

oppressor

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //əˈpɹɛsɝ// UK //əpɹˈɛsɐ// op·pres·sor

n. a person or group that has power over others and uses that power to treat them unfairly or cruelly.

n. a person or entity that exercises unjust or cruel authority over others. Often used in political or social contexts to describe those who maintain systemic inequality.


SIMPLE

The people finally rose up against their oppressor.

CONTEXTUAL

In many historical dramas, the hero is a common person who challenges the local oppressor to bring about justice.

COMPLEX

The movement sought to dismantle the structures of power that allowed the oppressor to maintain control over the labor force and the local economy.

Origin

From Middle English oppressour, from Old French opressor and Latin oppressor; equivalent to oppress + -or.

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