Oppressive

/əˈprɛsɪv/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Authoritarian and cruel, often through the use of unjust power.

The oppressive regime silenced any dissenting voices in the country.

Causing discomfort or distress; overwhelmingly harsh or severe.

The oppressive heat of the summer made it difficult to be outside for long.

Weighing heavily on the mind or spirit; burdensome.

He felt an oppressive sense of dread as he entered the abandoned building.

Constrictive or stifling, often referring to atmospheres or environments.

The room had an oppressive atmosphere, filled with thick silence.

From Middle English 'oppressed', from Latin 'opressivus', based on 'opprimo'.

oppressive laws

Laws that exert harsh control over individuals' freedoms.

oppressive heat

Extreme heat that can be uncomfortable or debilitating.

oppressive regime

A government marked by harsh, authoritarian rule.

oppress

To impose a burden or hardship on.

oppression

The state of being subjected to unjust treatment.

Excessive or overwhelming.

That workload is just oppressive, I can't handle it!

Stifling or suffocating in a non-literal sense.

The meeting was so oppressive that I wanted to escape.