Repressive Meaning
/riˈprɛsɪv/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjServing to repress or suppress; oppressive
Sentence Examples
Every dictatorship needs a strong repressive intelligence service.
Is sharia law repressive?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ regime in the country punished anyone who dared to criticize its strict policies.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ measures introduced by the government sparked widespread protests across the country.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Italic *wre- Latin re-der. Old French re-bor. Middle English re- English re- English press English repress Proto-Indo-European *-wós Proto-Indo-European *-iHwósder. Latin -īvus Old French -ifbor. Middle English -yf English -ive English repressive From repress + -ive.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Human law is indeed repressive, but repressive on moral principles comprehensively applied to the whole community, and commanding the approval of the moral sense of the governed"
— 1846, Allan Freer, The North British Review:
"First, the classical rule forbids any unilateral right to use force to overthrow a regime on the sole grounds that it is repressive in character."
— 1989, Louis Henkin, Right V. Might:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ regime in the country punished anyone who dared to criticize its strict policies.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ measures introduced by the government sparked widespread protests across the country.