oppression / suppression
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oppression
The violent or unjust exercise of power in order to restrict other people in their freedom, rights, or development.
Die Geschichte vieler Völker ist von Unterdrückung und dem Kampf um Freiheit geprägt.
The history of many peoples is shaped by oppression and the struggle for freedom.
suppression
The conscious or unconscious holding back or repression of feelings, desires, or thoughts.
Die ständige Unterdrückung ihrer wahren Gefühle machte sie auf Dauer krank.
The constant suppression of her true feelings made her ill in the long run.
suppression
In medicine, the targeted inhibition or stopping of a bodily function or reaction, e.g. of the immune system through medication.
Nach der Organtransplantation ist die Unterdrückung der körpereigenen Abwehrreaktion entscheidend.
After an organ transplant, the suppression of the body's own immune reaction is crucial.
The word comes from the separable verb 'unterdrücken' (to suppress/oppress). It consists of 'unter' (in the sense of 'down') and 'drücken' (to press). The literal idea of pressing something down helps you understand all the abstract meanings.
Ein Diktator versucht, jede Kritik zu unterdrücken.
A dictator tries to suppress every criticism.
To say what or who is being oppressed or suppressed, you usually use the genitive or the preposition 'von' with the dative. Both constructions are very common.
Die Unterdrückung der Meinungsfreiheit ist ein Merkmal von Diktaturen.
The suppression of freedom of expression is a feature of dictatorships.
You can easily recognize the three main meanings from context. If it is about politics and society, social oppression is meant. In connection with feelings and thoughts, it is about psychology. Terms like 'Immunsystem' (immune system) or 'Medikamente' (medications) point to the medical meaning.
Sie kämpften gegen die politische Unterdrückung in ihrem Land.
They fought against political oppression in their country.
precipitation / precipitate / suppression
The Niederschlag of an uprising refers primarily to its violent suppression. „Die Unterdrückung“ focuses more generally on the exercise of power that restricts people’s freedom and can continue for longer. „Niederschlag“ fits the decisive end, while „Unterdrückung“ fits ongoing repression.
Die Unterdrückung der Protestierenden dauerte auch nach diesem Tag weiter an.
The oppression of the protesters continued even after that day.
Der Niederschlag des Aufstands beendete die Proteste innerhalb eines Tages.
The suppression of the uprising ended the protests within a day.
