from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Oppressive \Op*press"ive\, a. [Cf. F. oppressif.]
1. Unreasonably burdensome; unjustly severe, rigorous, or
harsh; as, oppressive taxes; oppressive exactions of
service; an oppressive game law. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
2. Using oppression; tyrannical; as, oppressive authority or
commands.
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3. Heavy; overpowering; hard to be borne; creating a sense of
heavy burden; as, oppressive grief or woe; oppressive heat
or humidity; an oppressive workload.
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To ease the soul of one oppressive weight. --Pope.
[1913 Webster] -- {Op*press"ive*ly}, adv. --
{Op*press"ive*ness}, n.
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