oppressive

[ uh-pres-iv ]

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.

oppressive

/ əˈprɛsɪv /

adjective

1. cruel, harsh, or tyrannical
2. heavy, constricting, or depressing

Derived Forms

• opˈpressively, adverb
• opˈpressiveness, noun

Other Words From

• op·pressive·ly adverb
• op·pressive·ness noun
• nonop·pressive adjective
• nonop·pressive·ly adverb
• nonop·pressive·ness noun
• self-op·pressive adjective
• unop·pressive adjective
• unop·pressive·ly adverb
• unop·pressive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oppressive¹

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

Example Sentences

Worried about the potential for homeless encampment sweeps and an oppressive police presence during the Games, the group has taken note of Hoover’s background.

From Los Angeles Times

It demonstrates that love, though perhaps the world’s most beautiful emotion, is not necessarily the most important one, at least not when oppressive politics become involved.

From Salon

The myriad accomplishments by Black Americans in the face of the oppressive conditions of slavery and racial hierarchy openly defied stereotypes of their inferiority.

From Salon

Outside the court Mr Hibbert said Mr Hall’s actions were "oppressive and unacceptable".

From BBC

Recorded by The Lovin' Spoonful, Summer In The City is a 1960s rock classic, full of ominous organ chords and powerful drum hits that capture the sticky filth of an oppressive heatwave.

From BBC

Related Words

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