oppression

pronunciation

How to pronounce oppression in British English: UK [ə'preʃn] word uk audio image

How to pronounce oppression in American English: US [əˈprɛʃən] word us audio image

Noun:

the act of subjugating by cruelty
the state of being kept down by unjust use of force or authority: "after years of oppression they finally revolted"
a feeling of being oppressed

Word Origin

oppression (n.): mid-14c., "cruel or unjust use of power or authority," from Old French opression (12c.), from Latin oppressionem (nominative oppressio) "a pressing down; violence, oppression," noun of action from past participle stem of opprimere (see oppress). Meaning "action of weighing on someone's mind or spirits" is from late 14c.

Synonym

n.

tribulation torment despair ache distress heartache pang rack dolour torture throe

n.

cumbrance load cross weight pressure strain vexation tax charge burden millstone trouble albatross

n.

sorrow wretchedness misery dejection infelicity bitterness sufferings unhappiness sadness anguish woe grief affliction agony

n.

martial severity torment compulsion subjugation domination enslavement law hardness cruelty harshness despotism suppression coercion persecution ruthlessness mercilessness heavy-handedness hard-heartedness tyranny pitilessness

Example

1. Overcoming oppression and abject poverty and terrible disease is hard .

2. The solitude is an oppression .

3. Its society is relatively homogeneous but grievances abound after four decades of oppression .

4. Now it has begun to look more like an excuse to support oppression .

5. Some of their mothers became a political force against the oppression and violence of the government .

more: >How to Use "oppression" with Example Sentences