Oppressive
/əˈprɛsɪv/
Definitions
2 meaningsExercising or using unjust authority or power; causing great discomfort or hardship.
/əˈprɛsɪv/
Causing or tending to cause great distress; burdensome
The oppressive heat of the desert made the journey unbearable.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone is like a bully, and they're making you feel down and uncomfortable. That's oppressive. Like, the rules at school were super strict, and it felt oppressive because we couldn't even talk.
👶 For kids: When something makes you feel really sad or uncomfortable and like you can't be yourself, it's oppressive.
More Examples
The government's oppressive laws restricted the freedom of its citizens.
The oppressive silence in the room amplified the tension.
The weight of his troubles felt oppressive.
How It's Used
"The oppressive regime used violence to silence dissent."
"The oppressive humidity made it difficult to breathe."
Causing or tending to cause great mental or emotional distress.
/əˈprɛsɪv/
Weighing heavily on the mind or spirit
The oppressive memories of the war haunted him for years.
💡 Simply: Imagine having something big and heavy pressing down on your feelings and making you sad or worried. That is an oppressive weight. Like, when you're really worried about a test, the feeling can feel really oppressive.
👶 For kids: When something makes you feel sad or heavy inside, like a big weight is on you, it's also oppressive.
More Examples
The oppressive silence in the courtroom created a sense of dread.
The oppressive heat of the summer made it difficult to think.
She found the oppressive darkness of the forest unsettling.
How It's Used
"The oppressive atmosphere in the novel created a sense of dread."
"His feelings of guilt and shame became an oppressive weight on his mind."
Synonyms
From Middle French *oppressif*, from Latin *oppressus*, past participle of *opprimere* 'to press down, overwhelm'.
The word 'oppressive' has been used since the 16th century to describe acts and conditions that weigh down or burden someone.
Memory tip
Think of an *oppress*ive government as pressing down on its people.