Meaning
压迫 means to oppress or suppress, referring to the act of exercising harsh authority or power over others, often in a political, social, or physical sense. It can describe both literal physical pressure and figurative forms of domination or suppression of people's rights and freedoms.
Usage
This word carries a serious, often political or social tone. It's commonly used in discussions about human rights, social justice, historical injustices, and class struggles. In medical contexts, it can also refer to physical compression or pressure on body parts. Native speakers use it in both formal writing and serious conversations about societal issues.
Examples
- 01历史上许多人民曾经遭受殖民统治的压迫。.Throughout history, many peoples have suffered the oppression of colonial rule.
- 02医生说我的腰痛是因为椎间盘压迫神经造成的。.The doctor said my back pain is caused by the intervertebral disc compressing the nerve.
Characters
Common collocations
- 受到压迫to be oppressed
- 反抗压迫to resist oppression
- 阶级压迫class oppression
- 神经压迫nerve compression
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 压 (pressure, to press down) and 迫 (to force, compel), literally meaning 'to press and force,' creating the meaning of oppression through forceful pressure.