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Oppression - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Oppression is the unjust or cruel exercise of power over others, often involving systemic control that limits freedom and causes hardship for certain groups or individuals.

oppression

/əˈprɛʃən/ /əˈprɛʃən/

Definition:

Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control over a group or individual.

Synonyms:

tyranny, subjugation, persecution, domination

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

freedom, liberation

Common Collocations:

systemic oppression, fight oppression, suffer oppression, resist oppression

Derivatives:

oppressor, oppressive, oppressively

Usage Tips:

Use "oppression" to describe systemic injustice or prolonged harsh treatment by authority figures or systems.

Common Phrases:

chains of oppression, under the yoke of oppression, break the cycle of oppression

Etymology:

From Latin "oppressio," meaning "a pressing down," from "opprimere" (to press against).

Examples:

  • 1. The people rebelled against the king's oppression.
  • 2. She wrote a book about gender oppression in society.
  • 3. Oppression often leads to widespread suffering and resistance movements.
  • 4. The protest aimed to end racial oppression in the country.

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