# oppression

/əˈpɹɛʃən/ (US) · /əpɹˈɛʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/oppression
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. unjust use of power

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the cruel and unfair treatment of a group of people by a government or person in power.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a heavy feeling

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a strong feeling of being worried, sad, or uncomfortable, as if a weight is on you.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The people fought bravely against years of political oppression.
- The new laws were seen as a tool of oppression designed to silence any form of public protest.
- Historians argue that the systemic oppression of the working class during that era was the primary catalyst for the eventual revolution.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.