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

Their loss was a "systematic and deliberate" aspect of the oppression of the San and Khoekhoe peoples who were forced into servitude, he said.

Read more on Barron's

I also think, in the greater context of today and Christian nationalism, there’s just so many aspects of Christianity being used in a political context to shield so much hatred and oppression.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“It’s about oppression and control, particularly of women and girls, and who is ‘feminine enough’ to live by these outdated and toxic notions.”

Read more on Salon

The ex-president rejected the case as "arbitrary" and said the courts were being used as an "instrument of oppression".

Read more on BBC

Every day we see various forms of persecution, exploitation and oppression that violate our core values.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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