As a Noun: 1. The use of force to restrict and control a person or a group of people, especially the people of a country. English = repression. 2. The unfair or cruel treatment of a person or a group of people. English = oppression. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To use force to restrict and control a person or a group of people, especially the people of a country. English = repress, keep under one's thumb. 2. To treat a person or a group of people unfairly or cruelly. English = oppress.