Oppressive

Oppressive describes something that is unjustly harsh, tyrannical, or burdensome. It implies the exertion of power or authority in a cruel or unfair manner, creating a sense of being weighed down, controlled, or restricted. It can refer to laws, systems, climates, or even personal relationships that inflict suffering or limit freedom and autonomy, resulting in a feeling of being dominated and unable to thrive.

Oppressive meaning with examples

• The dictator's regime was notoriously oppressive, with strict censorship and constant surveillance instilling fear in the population and quashing any form of dissent against their control.
• The summer heat was oppressive, a thick and heavy blanket that sapped energy and made even simple tasks feel incredibly laborious and uncomfortable during the day.
• She felt trapped in an oppressive marriage, stifled by her husband's controlling behavior and isolated from friends and family, making her deeply miserable.
• The tax laws were so oppressive that many small businesses struggled to stay afloat, unable to bear the heavy financial burden, and leading to widespread closures.