The Spanish word 'opresión' (meaning 'oppression') comes from the Latin word 'oppressio', which had the same meaning. This Latin word was derived from the verb 'opprimere' meaning 'to press against', which was formed by combining two Latin elements: the prefix 'ob-' meaning 'in front of' and the verb 'premere' meaning 'to press'. The combination of these elements created the idea of pressing against something, which evolved to represent the concept of oppression - the act of pressing down on or subjugating others.

Several common Spanish words share this Latin root 'premere'. For example, 'presión' (pressure), 'comprimir' (to compress), 'exprimir' (to squeeze), and 'reprimir' (to repress). All these words maintain the basic concept of pressing or applying force, with different prefixes modifying the specific meaning.

Many English words are related to 'opresión' through the same Latin roots. The most obvious is 'oppression' itself, but others include 'press', 'pressure', 'compress', 'depress', 'express', and 'repress'. All these words maintain some connection to the original meaning of pressing or applying force. For example, when we 'express' ourselves, we are metaphorically pressing out our thoughts, and when we feel 'depressed', we feel pressed down emotionally.