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

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

While discussing various repressive regimes around the world, Robles spoke of the “men and women who have had to leave Venezuela precisely because of the dictatorship they are living through”.

From BBC

Related Words

• coercive
• restrictive