n. the act of subjugating by cruelty; "the tyrant's oppression of the people"

n. forced submission to control by others

n. [the act of bringing under complete control or subjection; conquering; mastering]

n. the practice of treating (someone or something) badly; "he should be punished for his mistreatment of his mother"

n. the act of subjecting someone to unwanted or improper sexual advances or activity (especially women or children)

n. any activity that occupies a person's attention; "he missed the bell in his occupation with the computer game"

n. the failure to develop some part or organ

n. dominance through threat of punishment and violence

n. freedom from control or influence of another or others