oppression

noun

op·​pres·​sion ə-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce oppression (audio)
1
a
: unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power
the continuing oppression of the … underclassesH. 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Critics contend that the administration’s aim is to present a sanitized version of history, downplaying bitter episodes, including racial oppression and sexism. Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 10 Oct. 2025 The region has seen a very long cycle of violence and oppression. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 Machado is now the 20th woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, joining a legacy of global figures recognized for their courage in the face of oppression. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Who, by ousting the dictator, were already setting up a new system of corruption and oppression. Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oppression

Word History

Etymology

Middle English oppressioun, borrowed from Anglo-French oppression, borrowed from Latin oppressiōn-, oppressiō "action of pressing on or overpowering," from oppres- or *oppret-, variant stem of opprimere "to press on, stifle, overpower" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at oppress

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of oppression was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oppression. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

oppression

noun
op·​pres·​sion ə-ˈpresh-ən How to pronounce oppression (audio)
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 How to pronounce oppression (audio)
: 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
oppressive adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on oppression

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!