Meaning & Definition of word "Oppressive"
Oppressive
/əˈprɛsɪv/
adjective:
- 1. Authoritarian and cruel, often through the use of unjust power.
- Example: The oppressive regime silenced any dissenting voices in the country.
- 2. Causing discomfort or distress; overwhelmingly harsh or severe.
- Example: The oppressive heat of the summer made it difficult to be outside for long.
- 3. Weighing heavily on the mind or spirit; burdensome.
- Example: He felt an oppressive sense of dread as he entered the abandoned building.
- 4. Constrictive or stifling, often referring to atmospheres or environments.
- Example: The room had an oppressive atmosphere, filled with thick silence.
Etymology
●From Middle English 'oppressed', from Latin 'opressivus', based on 'opprimo'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
oppress:
To impose a burden or hardship on.
oppression:
The state of being subjected to unjust treatment.
Slang Meanings of oppressive
Meaning: Excessive or overwhelming.
● Example Sentence: That workload is just oppressive, I can't handle it!
Meaning: Stifling or suffocating in a non-literal sense.
● Example Sentence: The meeting was so oppressive that I wanted to escape.