/ rɪˈpresɪv; NAmE / adjective
1.
( of a system of government ) controlling people by force and restricting their freedom
SYN dictatorial , tyrannical :
a repressive regime / measure / law
2.
controlling emotions and desires and not allowing them to be expressed
► re·pres·sive·ly adverb
► re·pres·sive·ness noun [ U ]