Oppress
/əˈpres/
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Use 'oppress' to describe situations where there's an imbalance of power, often involving systemic control. 
Under the regime, journalists were oppressed to silence dissent.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Context
'Oppress' is often used when discussing historical events of unfair treatment, like slavery or colonialism. 
Peoples across continents were oppressed during the colonial era.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Physical
Oppression can be psychological, involving social pressure or discrimination, not just physical force. 
The regime oppressed intellectuals through censorship and social ostracization.