oppression

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.

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

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

“Oppression” is a noun.

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

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

“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.

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.

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.

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.