圧迫

• Reading: あっぱく
• Romaji: appaku
• Kanji breakdown: 圧 (atsu) — pressure, press; 迫 (haku) — urge, press close
• Pronunciation: /a.p̚.pa.kɯ/

Meaning

Pressure; oppression; coercion. Physical or psychological force applied to constrain someone.

A noun and suru-verb (圧迫する). Covers both physical compression (e.g. chest pressure in medicine) and metaphorical oppression (e.g. political, economic, or psychological pressure). 圧迫面接 (pressure interview) is a common compound where interviewers deliberately stress candidates. Antonym: 解放 (liberation, release).

Examples

1. 長時間の圧迫面接で、彼は精神的に追い詰められた。 The prolonged pressure interview left him mentally cornered.
2. 政府の圧迫にもかかわらず、市民は抗議を続けた。 Despite government oppression, the citizens continued to protest.
3. 胸部への圧迫感があったため、すぐに医師に診てもらった。 I felt a tightness in my chest, so I immediately went to see a doctor.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, medicine, workplace, psychology

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 圧 (atsu) means press or pressure, 迫 (haku) means to press close or urge. Together they convey forceful pressing.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal