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Definition of oppression

oppression

/əˈprɛʃ.ən/
op · pres · sion
Adverb:oppressively
•
Plural:oppressions
•
Adjective:oppressive
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oppression Lexical Profile

oppression Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority, control, or power.

Example

"The historical novel depicts the people's struggle against centuries of political oppression."

2

A state of mental pressure, distress, or physical heaviness and discomfort.

Example

"Before the summer thunderstorm broke, a heavy sense of oppression hung in the humid air."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for oppression

• Nearby Words

oppositional
oppress
oppressed
oppression
oppressive
oppressively
oppressiveness

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French oppression, from Latin oppressionem, a noun of action from the past participle stem of opprimere ('to press against, crush, or stifle'), formed from ob- ('against') and premere ('to press').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Oppression. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/oppression
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