'oppress' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'opprimere,' where 'ob-' meant 'against' and 'premere' meant 'to press.'

'opprimere' transformed into the Old French word 'opprimer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'oppress' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to press against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to keep someone in subservience and hardship.'