Oppression; despotism (7)
I believe the answer is:
tyranny
I believe this is a double definition.
'oppression' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'despotism' is the second definition.
(I know that despotism can be written as tyranny)
(Other definitions for tyranny that I've seen before include "Form of despotism" , "Cruel and oppressive rule" , "Cruel government" , "Despotic rule" , "Cruel rulers" .)