Need another word for Oppression? Use these synonyms of Oppression from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
tyranny
persecution
repression
suppression
subjugation
domination
exploitation
enslavement
bondage
captivity
confinement
imprisonment
mistreatment
abuse
maltreatment
brutality
cruelty
harshness
severity
rigidity
inflexibility
intolerance
bigotry
dogmatism
fanaticism
despotism
authoritarianism
totalitarianism
dictatorship
monocracy
oligarchy
hegemony
autocracy
Meaning of Oppression
The primary meaning of the word "oppression" refers to the state of being subject to oppressive treatment or control, or the act of treating someone unfairly or cruelly.
Definitions
- The state of being subject to oppressive treatment or control: being treated unfairly or cruelly, or being subject to a system of control that exercises total power over individuals.
- Prolonged and unjust treatment or exercise of control: the act of treating someone unfairly or cruelly, often in a way that is prolonged or systematic.
- A feeling of being heavily burdened or troubled: a state of mind characterized by feelings of being overwhelmed or weighed down.
Etymology of Oppression
The word "oppression" comes from the Old French word "oppression," which is derived from the Latin word "oppressio," meaning "a pressing down" or "a crushing."
The Latin word "oppressio" is a noun form of the verb "opprimere," which means "to press down" or "to crush."
The word "oppression" has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of treating someone unfairly or cruelly, or the state of being subject to such treatment.
Example Uses
- The oppressed people fought for their freedom and human rights.
- The government's oppression of the minority group sparked widespread protests.
- The novel explores themes of oppression, resistance, and liberation.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
liberation
freedom
emancipation
release
deliverance
salvation
rescue
protection
safeguard
conservation
preservation
promotion
advancement
empowerment
enablement
authorization
permission
autonomy
self-determination
independence
sovereignty
democracy
equality
justice
fairness
impartiality