əˈpresiv, -sēv also -səv adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin oppressivus, from Latin oppressus + -ivus -ive
1. : unreasonably burdensome : unjustly severe, rigorous, or harsh : constituting oppression
oppressive legislation
oppressive taxes
oppressive exactions
2. : using or depending upon oppression : tyrannical
an oppressive ruler
3. : overpowering or depressing to the spirit or senses : hard to be borne
oppressive grief
an oppressive climate
to ease the soul of one oppressive weight — Alexander Pope
Synonyms: see onerous