Oppression

Word of the day

noun

prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control:
a region shattered by oppression and killing.
• the state of being subject to such treatment or control.
• mental pressure or distress: her mood had initially been alarm and a sense of oppression.

New Oxford American Dictionary

mid-14c., "cruel or unjust use of power or authority," from Fr. oppression (12c.), from L. oppressionem (nom. oppressio), noun of action from pp. stem of opprimere (see oppress). Meaning "action of weighing on someone's mind or spirits" is from late 14c.