Definition of "oppressive" in English

adjective

1. Burdensome or difficult to bear.

   • The oppressive tax laws made it difficult to start a small company.

2. Tyrannical or exercising unjust power.

   • The oppressive land-owners kept a grip on the labourers.

3. Weighing heavily on the spirit; being quite intense, excessive or overwhelming.

   • Will the oppressive heat of summer never end?

4. (of the weather) Hot and humid.