oppression

5 synonyms and 3 antonyms for oppression, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — The use of power in a cruel or unjust way to control or hold down a person or group.

Synonyms

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

persecution tyranny injustice

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

subjugation oppressiveness

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

The use of power in a cruel or unjust way to control or hold down a person or group.

“The novel follows one family's struggle against political oppression.”

subjugation persecution tyranny injustice oppressiveness

Opposites

justice liberation

2. noun

A heavy, weighed-down feeling, whether physical (like tightness in the chest) or mental.

“She felt a strange oppression in the humid, airless room.”

Opposites

relief

How to use oppression

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

systemic oppression fight oppression a feeling of oppression

Etymology

From Old French oppression, from Latin oppressio ("a pressing down"), from the verb opprimere — "to press against, crush."

Full origin of oppression →

Frequently asked questions

What does “oppression” mean?

The word “oppression” means the use of power in a cruel or unjust way to control or hold down a person or group. In plain terms, being kept down by unfair power — or the crushing feeling that comes with it.

How do you pronounce “oppression”?

“Oppression” is pronounced uh-PREH-shuhn (/əˈpɹɛʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “oppression” in a sentence?

Here is “oppression” used in a sentence: “The novel follows one family's struggle against political oppression.”

What part of speech is “oppression”?

“Oppression” is a noun.

Where does the word “oppression” come from?

The word “oppression” comes from Latin. From Old French oppression, from Latin oppressio ("a pressing down"), from the verb opprimere — "to press against, crush.".

Is “oppression” a common word?

“Oppression” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “oppression” have?

“Oppression” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the use of power in a cruel or unjust way to control or hold down a person or group.

What is the difference between oppression and discrimination?

Oppression refers to the use of power in a cruel or unjust way to control or hold down a person or group, often systemic and sustained. Discrimination refers more narrowly to unfair treatment of individuals based on characteristics like race or gender, and can occur as isolated acts without necessarily involving broader power structures.

Can oppression describe a physical feeling as well as social control?

Yes, oppression can also describe a heavy, weighed-down feeling, whether physical, such as tightness in the chest, or mental, such as a sense of being burdened or trapped. This sense is distinct from its more common use to describe unjust control over a group of people.

What is the difference between oppression and tyranny?

Oppression describes the general use of power in a cruel or unjust way to hold a person or group down, while tyranny specifically refers to oppressive rule by a single ruler or small group holding absolute power. Tyranny is one particular form that systemic oppression can take.

People also searched

justice relief liberation persecution injustice tyranny subjugation oppressiveness

Nearby words

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