oppression

prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control : a region shattered by oppression and killing.

oppress

keep (someone) in subservience and hardship, esp. by the unjust exercise of authority

cause (someone) to feel distressed, anxious, or uncomfortable

ORIGIN late Middle English : from Old French oppresser, from medieval Latin oppressare, from Latin oppress- ‘pressed against,’ from the verb opprimere.