Oppressive

created by Webster 1913
(definition) by Webster 1913 (print) Wed Dec 22 1999 at 1:36:14

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.

2.

Using oppression; tyrannical; as, oppressive authority or commands.

3.

Heavy; overpowering; hard to be borne; as, oppressive grief or woe.

To ease the soul of one oppressive weight. Pope.

-- Op*press"ive*ly, adv. -- Op*press"ive*ness, n.

 

© Webster 1913.

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