oppressive

American  

[uh-pres-iv] / əˈprɛs ɪv /

adjective

1. burdensome, unjustly harsh, or tyrannical.

   an oppressive king;

   oppressive laws.

2. causing discomfort by being excessive, intense, elaborate, etc..

   oppressive heat.

3. distressing or grievous.

   oppressive sorrows.

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oppressive British  

/ əˈprɛsɪv /

adjective

1. cruel, harsh, or tyrannical

2. heavy, constricting, or depressing

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Other Word Forms

• nonoppressive adjective
• nonoppressively adverb
• nonoppressiveness noun
• oppressively adverb
• oppressiveness noun
• self-oppressive adjective
• unoppressive adjective
• unoppressively adverb
• unoppressiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of oppressive

First recorded in 1620–30; from Medieval Latin oppresīvus, equivalent to Latin oppress(us) “pressed down” ( oppress ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Some of these events took place in oppressive heat.

From Salon

But his work over many decades sets historical, even mythic figures in conflict with oppressive religious and political systems.

From BBC

There has been an absence of context in the reporting of England's activities in Australia, not least the oppressive Covid restrictions they endured four years ago.

From BBC

But once in state house, he has been accused of passing oppressive measures which he had previously opposed, such as the Cybersecurity Law.

From BBC

At eight tracks and 29 minutes, “Shine” is brief, which is good—the single blast of noise aside, the mood is so uniform that if it were any longer it would seem oppressive.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• brutal
• burdensome
• cruel
• depressing
• dictatorial
• harsh
• heavy-handed
• inhuman
• onerous
• overbearing
• tyrannical
• unjust