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.

to lie heavily upon (the mind, a person, etc.)

Care and sorrow oppressed them.

to weigh down, as sleep or weariness does.

Archaic . to put down; subdue or suppress.

Archaic . to press upon or against; crush.

noun

absolute ruler , authoritarian , autocrat , bully , despot , dictator , martinet , persecutor , slave driver , taskmaster , big brother , fhrer , man on horseback , strongman , totalitarian , tyrant , czar , extortioner