oppression

noun

op·​pres·​sion ə-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce oppression (audio)
Synonyms of oppression
1
a
: unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power
… the continuing oppression of the … underclasses.—H. A. Daniels
b
: something that oppresses especially in being an unjust or excessive exercise of power
unfair taxes and other oppressions
2
: a sense of being weighed down in body or mind : depression
an oppression of spirits

Synonyms of oppression

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Examples of oppression in a Sentence

suffered a lingering oppression in the weeks after his dog died
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rapper Nicki Minaj, who has recently taken a political turn to the right, testified before the United Nations about the oppression of Christians. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 The scorching Afrofuturist dystopian nightmare that told of decades of oppression to come (and of centuries past mired in it), was lost to time. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 30 July 2026 Few Venezuelans mourn Maduro’s departure after years of oppression and economic collapse. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 30 July 2026 In the trailer, Zelie (Thuso Mbedu) and her older brother, Tzain (Tosin Cole), team up with the king’s daughter, Princess Amari (Amandla Stenberg), and his son, Prince Inan (Damson Idris), to fight against the oppression of their people. — Malik Davis, VIBE.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for oppression

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oppressioun, borrowed from Anglo-French oppression, borrowed from Latin oppressiōn-, oppressiō "action of pressing on or overpowering," from oppres- or *oppret-, variant stem of opprimere "to press on, stifle, overpower" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at oppress

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of oppression was in the 14th century

Rhymes for oppression

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Browse Nearby Words

oppressible
oppression
oppressive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oppression. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oppression

noun
op·​pres·​sion ə-ˈpresh-ən How to pronounce oppression (audio)
1
: cruel or unjust use of authority or power
2
: a feeling of low spirits

Legal Definition

oppression

noun
op·​pres·​sion ə-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce oppression (audio)
: an unjust or excessive exercise of power: as
a
: unlawful, wrongful, or corrupt exercise of authority by a public official acting under color of authority that causes a person harm
b
: dishonest, unfair, wrongful, or burdensome conduct by corporate directors or majority shareholders that entitles minority shareholders to compel involuntary dissolution of the corporation
c
: inequality of bargaining power resulting in one party's lack of ability to negotiate or exercise meaningful choice see also unconscionability
oppressive
ə-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce oppression (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on oppression

Nglish: Translation of oppression for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oppression

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