op·pres·sive
adjective \ə-ˈpre-siv\
: very cruel or unfair
: very unpleasant or uncomfortable
Full Definition of OPPRESSIVE
1: unreasonably burdensome or severe <oppressive legislation>
2: tyrannical
3: overwhelming or depressing to the spirit or senses <an oppressive climate>
— op·pres·sive·ly adverb
— op·pres·sive·ness noun
Examples of OPPRESSIVE
- The country is ruled by an oppressive regime.
- I think these laws are oppressive.
- This region suffers from oppressive heat in the summer months.
- The situation was extremely tense; no one said a word, and the silence was oppressive.
First Known Use of OPPRESSIVE
circa 1677