oppression

op-pres-sion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control, especially by those in authority.

  2. 2.

    The state of being subject to such treatment.

  3. 3.

    A feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    systems of oppression — social structures that create and maintain inequality
  • •
    fight against oppression — to resist unjust treatment

Related words

Antonyms: emancipation, freedom, liberation
See also: oppress, oppressive, persecution, tyranny
Synonyms: persecution, subjugation, suppression, tyranny

Etymology

From Latin oppressio ("a pressing down"), from opprimere ("to press against, oppress"), from ob- ("against") + premere ("to press").