oppressor

[ uh-pres-er ]

noun

1. a person or group that exercises authority or power over another in a harsh and burdensome way:

   Meanwhile the oppressors, blind to the brutal and unjust practices sustaining their dominance, simply increase the level of force against any who resist.

Other Words From

• pre·op·pres·sor noun
• self-op·pres·sor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oppressor¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; oppress ( def ) + -or ²( def )

Example Sentences

The goal is to move people away from thinking in binary terms of “us versus them,” “victim versus oppressor,” or “right versus wrong” to considering instead how to accept people’s differences while working toward peace.

From Salon

Evidence of enjoyment of life directly rebuts the central proposition of the oppressor – namely, that the oppressed is inferior.

From Salon

In an Instagram video on Wednesday, Neeleman said her husband was portrayed as an oppressor.

From Los Angeles Times

“The idea of Jewishness creates an opportunity to explore persecution, racism, and both oppression and being an oppressor,” she said in a video interview from her Los Angeles home.

From Los Angeles Times

“It speaks to the tragedy of the fact that, even if you’re oppressed, you can still be an oppressor,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• autocrat
• despot