# oppressor

/əˈpɹɛsɝ/ (US) · /əpɹˈɛsɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/oppressor
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The people finally rose up against their oppressor.
- In many historical dramas, the hero is a common person who challenges the local oppressor to bring about justice.
- The movement sought to dismantle the structures of power that allowed the oppressor to maintain control over the labor force and the local economy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.