Repressive: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe actions or regimes that severely restrict freedom and use strict control to maintain order. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• The government's repressive policies sparked international condemnation
• Citizens lived in constant fear of the repressive regime

This word is used in situations where power is exercised in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner, often causing suffering and hardship for the people.

• The oppressive heat made it difficult to work outside
• They lived under an oppressive regime that silenced every voice of opposition

This term is used to describe governments or rulers that concentrate power in a single authority and limit personal freedoms. Usually, decisions are made without input from the people.

• The authoritarian leader ruled with an iron fist, stifling any form of dissent
• An authoritarian government often ignores the rule of law

This term is generally applied to rulers or governments that exercise power in a cruel and arbitrary way. It implies extreme abuse of power and cruelty.

• History records many tyrannical leaders who have caused immense suffering
• The tyrannical boss made everyone's work life unbearable

This word is used to describe actions or policies that limit personal freedoms and control behavior through authority, often employing punishments and strict measures.

• The repressive new laws were designed to silence opposition.
• Citizens lived in fear under the repressive surveillance system.

This word is used when talking about rules, laws, or policies that limit what people can do. It can have a negative connotation depending on the situation but is often seen as more neutral compared to 'repressive' or 'oppressive'.

• The restrictive dress code did not allow for any personal expressions.
• They moved to a new city to escape the restrictive zoning laws.

This term is used to describe something that is unjustly harsh, overwhelming, or burdensome. It often carries a negative connotation and can apply to both physical and non-physical situations.

• The oppressive heat made it difficult to work outside for long.
• Many people fled the country to escape the oppressive military rule.

This word is used to describe something that restricts or limits actions or movements, often in a way that feels limiting but not necessarily harsh or severe.

• The constraining budget prevented the company from hiring more staff.
• The narrow lanes of the old city felt constraining to those used to wider roads.