People who exercise harsh, unjust authority or power over others; those who subjugate or persecute others.
From Latin oppressus, past participle of opprimere meaning 'to press down' or 'crush.' The prefix op- intensifies premere (to press), creating a vivid image of crushing weight.
The Latin roots of 'oppressor' create a powerful physical metaphor - literally 'one who presses down upon' others. This imagery captures how oppression isn't just unfair treatment but the systematic crushing of human dignity and potential, making resistance feel like a struggle to breathe.
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