Word
oppression
Phoneticsop·pres·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈpɹɛʃən/
UK/əpɹˈɛʃən/
Definitions
01unjust use of power
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the cruel and unfair treatment of a group of people by a government or person in power.
n. the systematic, cruel, or unjust exercise of authority or power over a subordinate group.
“The people fought for decades to end the oppression of the military government.”
“The historian argued that systemic oppression was maintained through a combination of economic disenfranchisement and restricted access to education.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when discussing the concept, but countable when referring to specific instances.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a heavy feeling
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary
n. a strong feeling of being worried, sad, or uncomfortable, as if a weight is on you.
n. a psychological or physical sense of heaviness, distress, or obstruction.
“A strange sense of oppression came over him as he entered the dark, silent house.”
“She felt a profound oppression of spirit as the grey winter months dragged on without a hint of sunshine.”
Usage
Frequently used with the preposition 'of' followed by a noun like 'spirit' or 'heart'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“By the 20th century, Western democracies defeated the brutalities of material scarcity and political oppression.” “But I believe that by stamping out this growth of oppression by the [Germans], I have been of the greatest help to all.” Etymology
From Middle English oppression, from Old French oppression, from Latin oppressiō (“a pressing down, violence, oppression”), from opprimō; see oppress.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/oppression