Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Oxidation is the loss of one or more electrons by an atom or ion, which raises its oxidation number.
Step 2: Example
\(\text{Na} \rightarrow \text{Na}^{+} + e^{-}\) is oxidation.
Step 3: Compare the options
Gain of electrons, addition of electrons and addition of electropositive elements all describe reduction. Only loss of electrons describes oxidation.
Final Answer:
Oxidation is the loss of electron by an atom.
\[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{loss of electron by an atom}} \]