repressive Definition
- 1relating to or involving the use of force or violence to control people or groups
- 2preventing people from expressing themselves freely
Using repressive: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "repressive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The government's repressive policies led to widespread protests.
Example
The regime was known for its repressive tactics against dissidents.
Example
The school had a repressive atmosphere that discouraged creativity and free expression.
repressive Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for repressive
Antonyms for repressive
Phrases with repressive
a government or ruling system that uses force or violence to control people and suppress dissent
Example
The country was ruled by a repressive regime that censored the media and jailed political opponents.
a community or culture that restricts individual freedoms and enforces conformity through social pressure or legal means
Example
The novel portrays a repressive society where people are punished for expressing their true thoughts and feelings.
repressive measures
actions taken by authorities to limit or control the activities of individuals or groups deemed to be a threat to public order or security
Example
The government imposed repressive measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including lockdowns and curfews.
Summary: repressive in Brief
The term 'repressive' [rɪˈprɛsɪv] refers to actions or policies that use force or violence to control people or groups, or that prevent free expression. It is often used to describe governments or ruling systems, as in 'The regime was known for its repressive tactics against dissidents.' 'Repressive' can also describe an atmosphere or culture that discourages individual freedoms, as in 'The school had a repressive atmosphere that discouraged creativity and free expression.' Synonyms include 'oppressive' and 'tyrannical,' while antonyms include 'liberal' and 'tolerant.'