Pronunciation: (u-pres'), [key]
1. to burden with cruel or unjust impositions or restraints; subject to a burdensome or harsh exercise of authority or power: a people oppressed by totalitarianism.
2. to lie heavily upon (the mind, a person, etc.): Care and sorrow oppressed them.
3. to weigh down, as sleep or weariness does.
4. Archaic.to put down; subdue or suppress.
5. Archaic.to press upon or against; crush.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.