oppressive
Meaning
using power or authority in a cruel and unfair way
causing people to feel worried and uncomfortable
Structure
Usage
the people revolted against the oppressive regime.
the oppressive heat made it difficult to work outdoors.
she felt an oppressive sense of guilt after the argument.
Etymology
the word 'oppressive' originates from the latin verb 'opprimere', which is a compound of 'ob-' (meaning 'against') and 'premere' (meaning 'to press'). the literal sense was 'to press down upon' or 'to crush'. this physical meaning evolved metaphorically into the exercise of authority in a harsh, crushing manner. the adjectival suffix '-ive' was added, forming a word that describes the nature or tendency of something to weigh down, either through tyrannical power or an unbearably heavy atmosphere.
Analysis
op- (latin origin, a form of 'ob-', meaning 'against' or 'down upon'); press (latin origin, from 'premere', meaning 'to press'); -ive (latin origin, adjectival suffix meaning 'tending to' or 'having the nature of')