oppression

noun
UK /əˈprɛʃ.ən/
US /əˈprɛʃ.ən/

Cruel and unfair treatment of people by those in power.

The people fought bravely against years of oppression.


OTHER MEANINGS

2. A heavy, uncomfortable feeling of worry or sadness.

A sense of oppression filled the room after the bad news.

3. The act of weighing down or pressing on something heavily.

The oppression of the thick, humid air made it hard to breathe.

4. The condition of being ruled in a harsh and unjust way.

They lived under oppression for many years before things changed.