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oppressive

 - 2 dictionary results

op⋅pres⋅sive

  [uh-pres-iv]
Use oppressive in a Sentence
–adjective
1. burdensome, unjustly harsh, or tyrannical: an oppressive king; oppressive laws.
2. causing discomfort by being excessive, intense, elaborate, etc.: oppressive heat.
3. distressing or grievous: oppressive sorrows.
Origin:
1620–30; < ML oppresīvus, equiv. to oppress(us) (see oppress ) + -īvus -ive

Related forms:
op⋅pres⋅sive⋅ly, adverb
op⋅pres⋅sive⋅ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To oppressive
op·pres·sive   (ə-prěs'ĭv)   
adj.  

  1. Difficult to bear; burdensome: oppressive laws.

  2. Exercising power arbitrarily and often unjustly; tyrannical.

  3. Weighing heavily on the senses or spirit: oppressive weather. See Synonyms at burdensome.

op·pres'sive·ly adv., op·pres'sive·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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