oppression
/əˈpɹɛʃən/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: oppressions
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.
Noun
Examples
Oh, by what plots, by what forswearings, betrayings, oppressions, imprisonments, tortures, poisonings, and under what reasons of state and politic subtilty, have these forenamed kings […] pulled the vengeance of God upon themselves […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The act of oppressing, or the state of being oppressed.
Noun
Examples
Extreme freedom is followed by extreme oppression, said Plato.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “oppression” mean?
The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.
Is “oppression” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.