oppression
noun
op·pres·sion
ə-ˈpre-shən 
1
a
: unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power
the continuing oppression of the … underclasses—
H. A. Daniels
H. A. Daniels
b
: something that oppresses especially in being an unjust or excessive exercise of power
unfair taxes and other oppressions
2
: a sense of being weighed down in body or mind : depression
an oppression of spirits
Examples of oppression in a Sentence
suffered a lingering oppression in the weeks after his dog died
Recent Examples on the Web
Similarly, theologian Jon Sobrino interpreted the Exodus narrative as a mandate to liberate the poor from economic and political oppression.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Political thriller The Translator (2020) explored the early days of the revolution and the decades of oppression that preceded it, through the tale of a political refugee living in Australia who returns to Syria in search of his brother after he is arrested by the authorities for protesting.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett told the audience to stand tall against oppression.
—Rance Collins, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
One of the educators, 44-year-old Jennifer Dale, is charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, according to the Parker County Sheriff’s Office.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppression
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Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2025
Political thriller The Translator (2020) explored the early days of the revolution and the decades of oppression that preceded it, through the tale of a political refugee living in Australia who returns to Syria in search of his brother after he is arrested by the authorities for protesting.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett told the audience to stand tall against oppression.
—Rance Collins, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
One of the educators, 44-year-old Jennifer Dale, is charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, according to the Parker County Sheriff’s Office.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppression
Cite this Entry
“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oppression. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oppression
noun
op·pres·sion
ə-ˈpresh-ən
1
: cruel or unjust use of authority or power
2
: a feeling of low spirits
Legal Definition
oppression
noun
op·pres·sion
ə-ˈpre-shən
: an unjust or excessive exercise of power: as
a
: unlawful, wrongful, or corrupt exercise of authority by a public official acting under color of authority that causes a person harm
b
: dishonest, unfair, wrongful, or burdensome conduct by corporate directors or majority shareholders that entitles minority shareholders to compel involuntary dissolution of the corporation
c
: inequality of bargaining power resulting in one party's lack of ability to negotiate or exercise meaningful choice see also unconscionability
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