Which term describes the act of burdening individuals mentally or physically?

The term that most accurately describes the act of burdening individuals mentally or physically is oppression. Oppression refers to systemic and pervasive ways in which individuals or groups are subjugated, constrained, or burdened by structures of power, whether that be socially, politically, or economically. This can manifest as a consistent and systemic disenfranchisement of individuals, leading to significant mental or physical strains.

Oppression is broader than individual acts, encompassing ongoing experiences and conditions that can lead to trauma or discrimination, but at its core, it involves the imposition of hardships on specific individuals or groups. By understanding oppression in this way, it becomes clear how it can encapsulate various forms of distress and challenge faced by individuals in society, making it an important term in discussions about mental health, social justice, and advocacy.