Suppress vs. Oppress

Suppress = to end something by force;  prevent from being known or seen

  • The government suppressed the pro-democracy movements by lathi-charge and arrests.
  • They could not suppress the rebellion by force.
  • She suppressed her feelings for the sake of peace.
  • He managed to suppress his irritation.

Oppress = 1.  rule people unjustly or cruelly

  • For years people of Uganda were oppressed by the ruthless dictator Idi Ameen.
  • Oppressive laws and rules.
  • A cruel tendency to oppress racial minorities.
  • Years of violence and oppression.

Oppress = 2. cause to feel troubled or uncomfortable

  • Oppressive weather/heat.
  • The strange dream about his gloomy future oppressed him.

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