Top 31 Slang For Oppress – Meaning & Usage

Oppression is a harsh reality that many face daily, but what about the slang terms used to describe this systemic issue? We’ve delved into the world of slang to uncover the most powerful and thought-provoking words that shed light on the concept of oppression. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and gain a deeper understanding of this important topic.

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Keep down

To keep someone or something down means to suppress or control them, often in a negative or oppressive way.

For example, “The authoritarian government tries to keep down any dissenting voices.”
In a discussion about social inequality, someone might say, “Systemic racism has been used to keep down marginalized communities.”
A person describing a toxic work environment might say, “The boss constantly tries to keep down employees who speak up.”

2. Put the squeeze on

To put the squeeze on someone means to apply pressure or force in order to control or oppress them.

For instance, “The loan shark put the squeeze on the debtor by threatening physical harm.”
In a conversation about unfair business practices, one might say, “Large corporations often put the squeeze on small businesses.”
A person discussing a manipulative relationship might say, “My partner constantly puts the squeeze on me to do what they want.”

3. Hold down

To hold down someone or something means to keep them under control or in a subordinate position.

For example, “The dictator used his power to hold down the opposition.”
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, one might say, “Women are often held down by gender biases and expectations.”
A person describing a restrictive society might say, “The government holds down individual freedoms and rights.”

4. Crush

To crush someone means to suppress or defeat them completely, often in a forceful or oppressive manner.

For instance, “The authoritarian regime crushed any opposition to its rule.”
In a conversation about political uprisings, one might say, “The government used military force to crush the rebellion.”
A person discussing a personal struggle might say, “I refuse to let my circumstances crush my spirit.”

5. Clamp down

To clamp down means to enforce strict measures or restrictions in order to control or oppress.

For example, “The government clamped down on freedom of speech by censoring the media.”
In a discussion about crime prevention, one might say, “The police are clamping down on drug trafficking in the city.”
A person describing a repressive society might say, “The regime clamps down on any form of dissent or protest.”

6. Squash

This term refers to forcefully suppressing or crushing something, often with the intention of preventing it from growing or becoming successful. It can also be used to describe the act of suppressing someone’s ideas or opinions.

For example, “The dictator squashed any form of dissent in the country.”
In a discussion about a new business venture, someone might say, “Don’t let fear of failure squash your dreams.”
A person talking about their creative aspirations might express, “I refuse to let anyone squash my artistic vision.”

7. Subjugate

This term is used to describe the act of bringing someone or something under control or domination, often through force or oppressive measures. It implies the exercise of power and control over others.

For instance, “The colonizers sought to subjugate the native population.”
In a conversation about inequality, someone might say, “Systemic racism is designed to subjugate marginalized communities.”
A person discussing an abusive relationship might explain, “The abuser uses manipulation and control to subjugate their partner.”

8. Tyrannize

This term refers to the act of ruling or governing oppressively, often with cruelty and disregard for the rights and well-being of others. It implies the abuse of power and authority.

For example, “The dictator tyrannized over the people, suppressing any form of dissent.”
In a discussion about historical figures, someone might say, “King Henry VIII is known for his tyrannical rule.”
A person talking about their workplace might express, “The boss has a tendency to tyrannize the employees, creating a toxic work environment.”

9. Enslave

This term describes the act of making someone a slave, depriving them of their freedom and subjecting them to forced labor and control. It implies the ownership and exploitation of another person.

For instance, “During the era of colonialism, many indigenous people were enslaved.”
In a conversation about human rights, someone might say, “We must fight against any form of enslavement and exploitation.”
A person discussing modern-day slavery might explain, “Human trafficking is a grave issue that enslaves countless individuals around the world.”

10. Stifle

This term refers to the act of suppressing or restraining something or someone, often with the intention of preventing them from expressing themselves or their ideas. It can also be used to describe the act of suffocating or smothering something.

For example, “The government tried to stifle freedom of speech by censoring the media.”
In a discussion about creativity, someone might say, “Don’t let self-doubt stifle your artistic expression.”
A person talking about a toxic relationship might express, “He constantly tried to stifle my emotions and control my every move.”

11. Dominate

To have complete control or authority over someone or something, often in a forceful or oppressive manner.

For example, “The dictator dominated the country, suppressing any opposition.”
In a sports context, one might say, “The team dominated their opponents, winning by a wide margin.”
A person discussing a toxic relationship might say, “He constantly tries to dominate and control me.”

12. Quash

To forcefully put an end to something or prevent it from happening, often in a legal or authoritative context.

For instance, “The government quashed the protests by arresting the leaders.”
In a court case, a lawyer might argue, “The evidence presented should be quashed as it was obtained illegally.”
A person discussing rumors might say, “Let’s quash these false rumors before they spread further.”

13. Overpower

To have more strength, influence, or control than someone or something, often resulting in a feeling of being overwhelmed or helpless.

For example, “The sheer number of enemies overwhelmed and overpowered the soldiers.”
In a personal context, one might say, “The stress of the situation overwhelmed and overpowered her.”
A person discussing a challenging task might say, “The complexity of the project can easily overpower inexperienced team members.”

14. Repress

To control, subdue, or prevent the expression of something, often referring to emotions, desires, or memories.

For instance, “She repressed her anger and kept a calm demeanor.”
In a psychological context, a therapist might say, “Repressed memories can resurface and cause distress.”
A person discussing societal issues might argue, “The government tries to repress dissent and silence opposing voices.”

15. Subdue

To bring under control or overcome through force or intimidation.

For example, “The police subdued the suspect and placed him under arrest.”
In a personal context, one might say, “She had to subdue her fear in order to give a public speech.”
A person discussing a conflict might say, “The goal is to find a peaceful resolution and subdue the tensions.”

16. Bully

To intimidate, dominate, or mistreat someone, often through physical or verbal abuse. The term “bully” is commonly used to describe someone who repeatedly and intentionally harms or oppresses others.

For example, “He’s such a bully. He always picks on smaller kids.”
In a discussion about workplace harassment, someone might say, “We need to address the issue of bullying in our office.”
A parent might tell their child, “Don’t let anyone bully you. Stand up for yourself.”

17. Coerce

To persuade or manipulate someone into doing something against their will. Coercion often involves the use of threats, intimidation, or other forms of pressure to gain compliance.

For instance, “He tried to coerce me into signing the contract by threatening to fire me.”
In a discussion about abusive relationships, someone might say, “Many abusers use coercion to control their partners.”
A lawyer might argue, “The confession was coerced and therefore should be deemed inadmissible as evidence.”

18. Harass

To subject someone to unwanted or offensive behavior, often with the intention of causing distress or harm. Harassment can take various forms, including verbal, physical, or online.

For example, “She filed a complaint against her coworker for sexual harassment.”
In a discussion about cyberbullying, someone might say, “Online harassment has become a widespread issue.”
A victim of harassment might seek help and say, “I can’t take the constant harassment anymore. It’s affecting my mental health.”

19. Suppress

To prevent the dissemination or expression of information, opinions, or actions. Suppression often involves the use of authority or force to control or limit freedom of speech, thought, or action.

For instance, “The government tried to suppress the news of the protest.”
In a discussion about censorship, someone might say, “Suppressing dissenting voices is a violation of freedom of expression.”
A journalist might write, “The regime’s attempt to suppress the truth only fueled public outrage.”

20. Intimidate

To instill fear or apprehension in someone, often to manipulate or control their actions. Intimidation can involve verbal threats, aggressive behavior, or other forms of coercion.

For example, “He used his size and aggressive demeanor to intimidate his opponents.”
In a discussion about workplace bullying, someone might say, “Intimidation tactics create a hostile work environment.”
A victim of intimidation might seek support and say, “I’m tired of living in fear. I won’t let him intimidate me anymore.”

21. Overwhelm

To completely overpower or overcome someone or something, often with a sense of being unable to cope or handle the situation. “Bury” is a slang term used to describe the act of overwhelming or overpowering someone or something.

For example, “The workload was so heavy that it just buried me.”
In a sports context, a team might say, “We need to bury our opponents with a strong offense.”
A person describing a chaotic situation might say, “The noise and commotion in the city can bury your senses.”

22. Degrade

To belittle or diminish someone’s worth or value, often through words or actions. “Put down” is a slang term used to describe the act of degrading or demeaning someone.

For instance, “She constantly puts down her coworkers, making them feel inferior.”
In a bullying scenario, a person might say, “The popular kids always put me down for being different.”
A person describing a toxic relationship might say, “He constantly puts me down and makes me feel worthless.”

23. Persecute

To pursue or harass someone persistently and unjustly, often due to their beliefs, race, or social status. “Hound” is a slang term used to describe the act of persecuting or targeting someone relentlessly.

For example, “He was hounded by the media after the scandal broke.”
In a historical context, a person might say, “Minorities were hounded and persecuted throughout history.”
A person describing workplace discrimination might say, “She was hounded and persecuted for speaking up against injustice.”

24. Oppress

To keep someone in subservience or hardship, often through the use of authority or power. “Suppress” is a slang term used to describe the act of oppressing or subjugating someone.

For instance, “The dictator used his power to suppress dissent and maintain control.”
In a social context, a person might say, “Minorities have been suppressed and oppressed for far too long.”
A person describing an authoritarian regime might say, “The government suppresses any form of opposition or dissent.”

25. Despotize

To exercise absolute and oppressive control over others, often in a tyrannical or autocratic manner. “Dictate” is a slang term used to describe the act of despotizing or ruling with absolute authority.

For example, “He despotizes his employees, making all the decisions without their input.”
In a political context, a person might say, “The dictator dictating every aspect of the country’s affairs.”
A person describing an abusive relationship might say, “He despotizes his partner, controlling every aspect of their life.”

26. Enforce

To compel or ensure compliance with a rule, law, or order through the use of authority or force. “Enforce” is often used to describe the actions taken by those in power to maintain control or suppress dissent.

For example, a government might enforce a curfew during times of civil unrest.
In a workplace, a manager might enforce strict policies on dress code.
A police officer might enforce traffic laws by issuing tickets to violators.

27. Dictate

To exercise authority or control over others and make decisions without considering their input or opinions. “Dictate” implies a one-sided exercise of power, where the desires or demands of one person or group are imposed upon others.

For instance, a dictator might dictate the laws and policies of a country without input from the citizens.
In a group project, one person might dictate the tasks and deadlines to the rest of the team.
A boss who micromanages their employees might be accused of dictating every aspect of their work.

28. Rule with an iron fist

To govern or control with absolute authority and harsh discipline. “Rule with an iron fist” suggests a tyrannical and oppressive style of leadership that brooks no opposition or dissent.

For example, a dictator might rule with an iron fist, suppressing any form of dissent or opposition.
In a family, a strict parent might rule with an iron fist, imposing strict rules and punishments on their children.
A boss who exercises strict control over their employees, leaving no room for autonomy, might be said to rule with an iron fist.

29. Walk all over

To treat someone with disrespect, disregard their rights or feelings, and assert dominance over them. “Walk all over” implies a sense of superiority and the ability to take advantage of someone without consequences.

For instance, a bully might walk all over their victims, constantly belittling and harassing them.
In a relationship, one partner might walk all over the other, constantly making demands and ignoring their needs.
A powerful corporation might walk all over small businesses, using their size and influence to unfairly dominate the market.

30. Ride roughshod over

To treat others with disdain or disregard, ignoring their rights or opinions and imposing one’s own will forcefully. “Ride roughshod over” suggests a complete disregard for the feelings or well-being of others, and a willingness to trample over them in pursuit of one’s own goals.

For example, a powerful politician might ride roughshod over the concerns of their constituents, pushing through policies that benefit themselves.
In a workplace, a boss might ride roughshod over the needs of their employees, ignoring their requests for better working conditions.
A dominant sports team might ride roughshod over their opponents, winning games by overwhelming them with their skill and strength.

31. Hold sway over

This phrase refers to having control or influence over someone or something. It implies the ability to dictate or manipulate the actions or decisions of others.

For example, “The dictator holds sway over the entire country, suppressing any form of dissent.”
In a discussion about a powerful leader, one might say, “He holds sway over his followers, shaping their beliefs and actions.”
A person describing a toxic relationship might say, “She holds sway over her partner, making all the decisions and controlling every aspect of their life.”