repressive

[ ri-pres-iv ]

adjective

1. tending or serving to repress:

   repressive laws.

Other Words From

• re·pressive·ly adverb
• re·pressive·ness noun
• nonre·pressive adjective
• unre·pressive adjective
• unre·pressive·ly adverb
• unre·pressive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of repressive¹

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

Example Sentences

Surely Leonardo’s erotic and emotional subjectivity within a repressive milieu was not nothing in shaping his worldly explorations — especially as a “disciple of experience” — but Burns doesn’t go there.

From Los Angeles Times

In times like these, individuals think ahead about what a more repressive government will want, and then offer themselves without being asked.

From Salon

Explosive growth turned China into a global power, and stable prosperity was the carrot offered by a repressive regime that would never loosen its grip on the stick.

From BBC

"Many are now scrutinizing Telegram's announcement with a basic question in mind: does this mean the platform will start cooperating with authorities in repressive regimes?"

From BBC

In its report released last week, the UN said: "State authorities have expanded repressive measures and policies to further deprive women and girls of their fundamental rights."

From BBC

Related Words

• coercive
• restrictive