oppression
oppression
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling of "oppression"
IPA: /əˈprɛʃən/
Syllable Breakdown:
o /ə/ (schwa)
pres /ˈprɛs/
p /p/ (voiceless bilabial stop)
r /r/ (alveolar approximant)
e /ɛ/ (open-mid front unrounded vowel)
s /s/ (voiceless alveolar sibilant)
sion /ʃən/
ʃ /ʃ/ (voiceless post-alveolar fricative)
ə /ə/ (schwa)
n /n/ (alveolar nasal)
Word Form Variations
Oppression is a noun, and its word form variations are primarily related to its number (singular or plural).
Singular: oppression
Plural: oppressions
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: The unjust or cruel treatment of people, especially in a way that limits their freedom or prevents them from achieving their potential.
Synonyms: tyranny, persecution, mistreatment, injustice, abuse
Antonyms: liberation, freedom, equality, fairness
Verb
Definition: To subject someone to unjust or cruel treatment, especially in a way that limits their freedom or prevents them from achieving their potential.
Synonyms: persecute, mistreat, abuse, exploit, tyrannize
Antonyms: liberate, free, empower, emancipate
Adjective
Definition: Relating to or characterized by oppression.
Synonyms: tyrannical, oppressive, unjust, cruel, abusive
Antonyms: just, fair, equitable, liberating, freeing
Examples of Use
Books
"Oppression is a pervasive force in society, often masked by subtle forms of discrimination." (From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander)
"The novel explores the themes of oppression, resistance, and the human spirit." (From "1984" by George Orwell)
Newspapers
"The article discusses the ongoing struggle against racial oppression in the United States." (From The New York Times)
"The report highlights the systemic oppression faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in many countries." (From The Guardian)
Online Publications
"The blog post examines the ways in which economic oppression can contribute to social unrest." (From The Atlantic)
"The website provides resources for individuals experiencing gender-based oppression." (From Equality Now)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
"The movie "Parasite" depicts the class-based oppression of the working class in South Korea."
"The song "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy addresses racial oppression and calls for social justice."
"The video game "The Last of Us" explores themes of societal collapse and the struggle against oppressive forces."
General Public Discourse
"The protesters are demanding an end to police brutality and systemic oppression against Black people."
"The activists are advocating for policies that address gender-based oppression and promote equality."
"The discussion focuses on the historical and ongoing oppression of indigenous peoples."
Note: These are just a few examples, and the word "oppression" is used in countless other contexts across various mediums and platforms.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Oppression
"Oppression makes a wise man mad." - Seneca (Roman philosopher)
"Injustice is a wound to the soul, and oppression a heavy burden." - Benjamin Franklin (American statesman)
"The greatest tyranny is to make men believe they are free." - Friedrich Schiller (German poet)
"Oppression makes tyrants of us all." - James Baldwin (American novelist)
"Freedom is the right to live as one wishes, and oppression is forcing others to live as one wishes." - Voltaire (French philosopher)
"Oppression is a breeding ground for rebellion." - Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister)
"We must not be afraid to speak out against injustice, even when it is difficult." - Martin Luther King Jr. (American civil rights leader)
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke (Irish statesman)
"The oppressed will rise up against their oppressors, and the day of reckoning will come." - Original quote
"Silence is a powerful weapon of oppression." - Original quote
Etymology
Oppression comes from the Latin word oppressus, which means "pressed down." This word is made up of two parts:
op-: This means "against" or "upon."
pressus: This means "pressed."
So, when something is "oppressed," it's like it's being pushed down or weighed down.
The first known use of "oppression" in English was in the 14th century. At that time, it meant "the act of pressing down or crushing." Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the idea of unjust or cruel treatment of people.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Oppression
Phrases:
Under the thumb: Being controlled or dominated by someone else
A heavy hand: Harsh or oppressive treatment
A yoke around one's neck: A burden or restriction
A millstone around one's neck: A heavy burden that's difficult to carry
Idioms with Synonyms:
To be in the clutches of: To be under the control of someone harmful or oppressive
To be at the mercy of: To be completely dependent on someone else and subject to their will
To be under the heel of: To be oppressed or dominated by someone
Reason for fewer direct phrases and idioms: "Oppression" is a relatively abstract concept, and it's often used in more formal or academic contexts. As a result, there aren't as many colloquial phrases or idioms that directly incorporate it.
However, the phrases and idioms listed above effectively convey the idea of being controlled, dominated, or subjected to unfair treatment, which are core elements of oppression.
Posts Related to Oppression
Source Information
Definition of oppression from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
