adj.
Pronunciation: ə - ' pre-siv
Function: adjective
Date: circa 1677
1 : unreasonably burdensome or severe < oppressive legislation>
2 : TYRANNICAL
3 : overwhelming or depressing to the spirit or senses <an oppressive climate>
synonyms see ONEROUS
– op · pres · sive · ly adverb
– op · pres · sive · ness noun