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 Words From

• nonop·pression noun
• preop·pression noun
• self-op·pression 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

"Hosea Easton saw European feudalism and American slavery as part and parcel of the same framework for oppression, though like other Black writers he highlighted the unique brutalities and tyrannies of race-based slavery in the New World."

From Salon

He thus saw European feudalism and American slavery as part and parcel of the same framework for oppression, though like other Black writers he highlighted the unique brutalities and tyrannies of race-based slavery in the New World.

From Salon

I read "Clotel" closely to illuminate how Brown made sophisticated arguments against slavery and the oppression of women that retain contemporary relevance.

From Salon

I can only imagine how Black women, who have to deal with double oppression, felt.

From Salon

I can only imagine how Black women, who have to deal with double oppression, felt.

From Salon

Related Words

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