oppression

[uh-presh-uhn]

noun

1. the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.

   Synonyms: persecution, despotism, tyranny
   Antonyms: justice, kindness

2. an act or instance of oppressing or subjecting to cruel or unjust impositions or restraints.

3. the state of being oppressed.

   Synonyms: suffering, hardship

4. the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.

   Synonyms: suffering, hardship

oppression

/ əˈprɛʃən /

noun

1. the act of subjugating by cruelty, force, etc or the state of being subjugated in this way

2. the condition of being afflicted or tormented

3. the condition of having something lying heavily on one's mind, imagination, etc

Other Word Forms

• nonoppression noun
• preoppression noun
• self-oppression noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oppression¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English oppressioun, from Middle French, from Latin oppressiōn-, stem of oppressiō “a pressing down,” equivalent to oppress(us) “pressed down” + -iō noun suffix; oppress, -ion

Example Sentences

She told South African magazine Bona in 2017: "Inequality and oppression angered me and I started taking part in protest theatre."

From BBC

“It’s all about oppression, about wanting what’s going to destroy you. That’s a very Gothic, gay inclination that I love,” the actor said.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is not the first go-around with oppression in America coming from the White House.”

From Salon

The IDF says it had conducted a "targeted strike" on "a symbol of oppression against the Iranian people" and claimed that measures were taken to minimise harm to civilians.

From BBC

“Al Jazeera emphasizes that immunity for perpetrators and the lack of accountability embolden Israel’s actions and encourage further oppression against witnesses to the truth,” the Al Jazeera statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abuse 
• brutality 
• coercion 
• cruelty 
• despotism 
• dictatorship 
• domination 
• injustice 
• maltreatment 
• persecution 
• suffering 
• tyranny