# oppressive

/əˈpɹɛsɪv/ (US) · /əpɹˈɛsɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/oppressive
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. tyrannical or cruel

adjective · CEFR B2

treating people in a cruel and unfair way, especially by a government or person in power.

For teachers: exercising power in a cruel, unjust, or burdensome manner; characteristic of a tyranny.

- The people finally rose up against the oppressive regime that had ruled for decades.
- The new laws were seen as increasingly oppressive, systematically stripping citizens of their right to peaceful assembly and free expression.

### 2. weather

adjective · CEFR B2

weather that is very hot and humid, making you feel tired and uncomfortable.

For teachers: describing weather conditions that are uncomfortably hot and humid, often creating a sense of physical heaviness.

- The oppressive heat in the city made it difficult to sleep at night.
- An oppressive humidity hung over the valley, making even the slightest physical exertion feel like a monumental task.

## Examples

- The heat in the small room was oppressive.
- Citizens eventually protested against the oppressive laws that restricted their right to speak freely in public.
- The regime maintained its power through an oppressive combination of heavy surveillance and the systematic suppression of any political dissent, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.