op·pres·sion /ə-'pre-shən/ n: an unjust or excessive exercise of power: as
a: unlawful, wrongful, or corrupt exercise of authority by a public official acting under color of authority that causes a person harm
b: dishonest, unfair, wrongful, or burdensome conduct by corporate directors or majority shareholders that entitles minority shareholders to compel involuntary dissolution of the corporation
c: inequality of bargaining power resulting in one party's lack of ability to negotiate or exercise meaningful choice see also unconscionability
op·pres·sive /ə-'pre-siv/ adj
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.