Master confusing words with ease
Repress vs. Oppress
Repress
/rɪˈpres/Examples:
The government sought to repress dissent among the citizens.He repressed his urge to laugh during the serious meeting.Memories of that day were deeply repressed in her mind.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Oppress
/əˈpres/Examples:
The tyrant sought to oppress the people with harsh laws.They felt oppressed by the endless workload at the office.Many activists work to prevent governments from oppressing citizens.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Repress means to hold back or restrain.
- Oppress means to burden or weigh down.
- Repress is often something you do to yourself, like repressing emotions.
- Oppress is usually done to others, like oppressing a group of people.
- Repress doesn't necessarily involve power dynamics, while oppress does.
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