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
Bean and another educator, Jennifer Dale, also face misdemeanor oppression charges in the initial case, Swain said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2025
Their political agenda cloaks tyranny in the guise of liberty, masking oppression as freedom.
—Jared Nordlund, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Albanese faced controversy in February 2024 for stating victims of the October 7 Hamas attack were targeted because of Israeli oppression, not their Jewish faith.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
The editorial contradicts itself by framing violence in Nigeria first as a matter of Christian oppression by violent Muslims and then later admitting that Muslims are just as likely to suffer attacks there.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for oppression
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Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2025
Their political agenda cloaks tyranny in the guise of liberty, masking oppression as freedom.
—Jared Nordlund, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Albanese faced controversy in February 2024 for stating victims of the October 7 Hamas attack were targeted because of Israeli oppression, not their Jewish faith.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
The editorial contradicts itself by framing violence in Nigeria first as a matter of Christian oppression by violent Muslims and then later admitting that Muslims are just as likely to suffer attacks there.
—Chicago Tribune, 9 July 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 26 Jul. 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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