Definition

1. Verb:
   • To oppress, to bully, to coerce: "hiếp tróc" describes the act of using force, threats, or one's position of power to mistreat, exploit, or compel someone weaker into submission or to do something against their will. It implies a severe and unjust exercise of power.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Bọn cường hào ác bá thường hiếp tróc dân lành. (Local tyrants and evil gentry often oppress the common people.)
  • Không ai có quyền hiếp tróc người khác. (No one has the right to bully others.)
  • Chúng dùng vũ lực để hiếp tróc những người phản đối. (They used violence to coerce the protesters.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "hiếp tróc" carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe serious social injustice, exploitation, or abuse of power. It is less common in casual, everyday conversation.

Variants and Related Words

• Hiếp đáp (verb): To bully, to oppress. This is a more common synonym in modern Vietnamese.
• Áp bức (verb): To oppress, to suppress. Often used in political or social contexts.
• Bắt nạt (verb): To bully. This is the most common and general term for bullying, often used in everyday contexts, especially among children.

Synonyms

• Oppress: To govern or treat cruelly or unjustly.
• Coerce: To persuade someone to do something by using force or threats.
• Bully: To use superior strength or influence to intimidate someone.

Notes on Meaning

• "Hiếp tróc" is a compound word formed from "hiếp" (to violate, to force) and "tróc" (an archaic term related to seizing or oppressing). It is important to explain it as a single lexical unit meaning "to oppress." While its components hint at its meaning, the word functions as a single concept for learners.
• The reference definition "opprimer" (French for "to oppress") confirms this core meaning of unjust subjugation.

1. Force, compel, bully