Definition of oppression
1a : unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power the continuing oppression of the … underclasses — H. A. Danielsb : 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
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Examples of oppression in a Sentence
suffered a lingering oppression in the weeks after his dog died
Recent Examples of oppression from the Web
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Today, however, China's authoritarian regime is directing its tools of oppression at beloved children's book character Winnie the Pooh.
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Resistance to oppression can be violent and non-violent struggle.
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To a live bass-and-keyboards soundtrack of original jazz compositions and traditional children's street rhymes, the dancers evoke both the freedoms and the oppressions of youth.
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As a result, Adams isn't interested in depicting black oppression and struggle.
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Finally, attendees gained a deeper commitment to caring and taking action against all forms of oppression and learned new skills to interrupt forms of bias and discrimination.
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In her masterly chronicle of American mass incarceration, The New Jim Crow, Michelle Alexander argues convincingly that our current era is defined by its continuity with previous eras of white supremacy and black oppression.
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Over 20 authors and writers have created tales and characters that speak to American hardship, oppression, and heartbreak.
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Senior administration officials said the impetus for the changes was born from a campaign promise and the concern that the Obama-era policies were contributing to the oppression on the island.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'oppression.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of oppression
14th century
OPPRESSION Defined for Kids
oppression
playDefinition of oppression for Students
: cruel or unjust use of power or authority
Law Dictionary
oppression
playLegal Definition of oppression
: 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
Learn More about oppression
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See words that rhyme with oppression Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for oppression Spanish Central: Translation of oppression Nglish: Translation of oppression for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of oppression for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about oppression
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