Dictionary
oppressive
adjective op·pres·sive \ə-ˈpre-siv\
: very cruel or unfair
: very unpleasant or uncomfortable
Full Definition of OPPRESSIVE
1
: unreasonably burdensome or severe <oppressive legislation>
2
3
: overwhelming or depressing to the spirit or senses <an oppressive climate>
— op·pres·sive·ly adverb
— op·pres·sive·ness noun
See oppressive defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of OPPRESSIVE
circa 1677
Related to OPPRESSIVE
Synonym Discussion of OPPRESSIVE
onerous, burdensome, oppressive, exacting mean imposing hardship. onerous stresses being laborious and heavy especially because distasteful <the onerous task of cleaning up the mess>. burdensome suggests causing mental as well as physical strain <burdensome responsibilities>. oppressive implies extreme harshness or severity in what is imposed <the oppressive tyranny of a police state>. exacting implies rigor or sternness rather than tyranny or injustice in the demands made or in the one demanding <an exacting employer>.
Rhymes with OPPRESSIVE
OPPRESSIVELY Defined for Kids
oppressive
adjective op·pres·sive \ə-ˈpre-siv\
Definition of OPPRESSIVE for Kids
1
: cruel or harsh without just cause <oppressive laws>
2
: very unpleasant or uncomfortable <oppressive heat>
— op·pres·sive·ly adverb
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