Definition of oppressive

The root of the word "oppressive" can be traced back to the Latin word "oppressīvus," which means "oppressive" or "oppressive in character." In the Middle Ages, it was adopted by the Old French language, where it was spelled "oprésif." The meaning of "oppresif" in Old French was "crushing" or "oppressive," with the "pres" part of the word meaning "pressure" or "crushing weight." Over time, the Old French word evolved into "oppressive" in Middle English, which retained its original meaning. In the 14th century, "oppressive" began to take on a more political connotation, as it became associated with the actions of oppressive rulers. This usage persisted into the modern era, where "oppressive" is commonly used to describe systems or institutions that exert undue and often unjustified power over individuals or groups. Overall, the word "oppressive" has a rich history, reflecting the evolution of the Latin, French, and English languages as well as changes in the way people understand and interpret concepts of power, authority, and freedom.