oprimir
verbCEFR B2
What does “oprimir” mean in English?
to oppress, to subjugate
to oppress, to subjugate (oprimir a un pueblo/minoría — keep a group in subservience by unjust use of authority)
Example sentences
El régimen oprimió durante décadas a las minorías étnicas.
The regime oppressed ethnic minorities for decades.
La pobreza oprime a millones de personas en todo el mundo.
Poverty oppresses millions of people around the world.
Me oprime el pecho cuando pienso en lo que está pasando.
My chest tightens when I think about what is happening.
How to use it
oprimir means 'to oppress' (people, a group) or 'to press/squeeze' (a button, one's chest). The political sense is dominant at B2. The agent is usually an institution or regime; the victim is the direct object.
Common mistake
English 'oppress' is always political; oprimir can also be physical (oprimir un botón = press a button). Context disambiguates, but the political use is B2-level.