repressive

American  

[ri-pres-iv] / rɪˈprɛs ɪv /

adjective

1. tending or serving to repress.

   repressive laws.

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Other Word Forms

• nonrepressive adjective
• repressively adverb
• repressiveness noun
• unrepressive adjective
• unrepressively adverb
• unrepressiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of repressive

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin repressīvus < Latin repress ( us ) ( repress ) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

Where are the demands for justice and freedom for the downtrodden victims of a brutally repressive state?

From The Wall Street Journal

Indeed, history is replete with examples of repressive regimes falling to domestic unrest after military setbacks against foreign adversaries.

From The Wall Street Journal

Artists, musicians, writers, film makers and performers of all kinds are rebelling, one of the most profound forms of resistance to a repressive regime.

From Salon

In return, the U.S. is throwing an economic lifeline to his regime, among the world’s most repressive.

From The Wall Street Journal

For journalists, activists and citizens living in repressive regimes, VPNs are a critical tool for secure communication and access to information.

From Salon

Related Words

• coercive
• restrictive