Repressive: meaning, definitions and examples

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repressive

[ rɪˈprɛsɪv ]

^{Context #1}

government

Exerting power or control through force or authority, often limiting freedom and individual rights.

Synonyms

authoritarian, oppressive, tyrannical

Examples of usage

The repressive regime banned all forms of free speech.
The repressive laws restricted the citizens' ability to protest.

^{Context #2}

social

Creating a feeling of being restricted or oppressed, often in a social or cultural context.

Synonyms

constraining, oppressive, restrictive

Examples of usage

The repressive social norms made it difficult for individuals to express themselves.
Her repressive upbringing stifled her creativity.

Translations

Translations of the word "repressive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 repressivo

🇮🇳 दबाने वाला

🇩🇪 unterdrückend

🇮🇩 menindas

🇺🇦 репресивний

🇵🇱 represyjny

🇯🇵 抑圧的な

🇫🇷 répressif

🇪🇸 represivo

🇹🇷 baskıcı

🇰🇷 억압적인

🇸🇦 قمعي

🇨🇿 represivní

🇸🇰 represívny

🇨🇳 压制的

🇸🇮 represiven

🇮🇸 aðfarandi

🇰🇿 репрессивті

🇬🇪 დამთრგუნველი

🇦🇿 təzyiqkar

🇲🇽 represivo

Word origin

The word 'repressive' derives from the verb 'repress', which comes from the Latin 'reprimere', meaning 'to press back'. The concept of repression has been studied in psychology, sociology, and political science, often referring to the act of subduing or controlling something or someone. The term has been historically used to describe authoritarian governments or social structures that limit individual freedoms.