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oppression

 - 3 dictionary results

op⋅pres⋅sion

  [uh-presh-uhn]
Use oppression in a Sentence
–noun
1. the exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.
2. an act or instance of oppressing.
3. the state of being oppressed.
4. the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.
Origin:
1300–50; ME oppressioun < MF < L oppressiōn- (s. of oppressiō) a pressing down, equiv. to oppress(us) (see oppress ) + -iōn- -ion

Synonyms:
1. tyranny, despotism, persecution. 3, 4. hardship, suffering.

Antonyms:
1. kindness, justice.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To oppression
op·pres·sion   (ə-prěsh'ən)   
n.  

    1. The act of oppressing; arbitrary and cruel exercise of power: "There can be no really pervasive system of oppression . . . without the consent of the oppressed" (Florynce R. Kennedy).

    2. The state of being oppressed.

  2. Something that oppresses.

  3. A feeling of being heavily weighed down in mind or body.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: op·pres·sion
Pronunciation: &-'pre-sh&n
Function: noun
: 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 —op·pres·sive /&-'pre-siv/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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