216 Another Word for Repressive? – Repressive Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say repressive differently? Here are other words for repressive and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of repressive

The primary meaning of the word "repressive" is related to the act of suppressing or restraining something, especially a feeling or an activity.

Etymology of repressive

The word "repressive" originates from the Latin "reprimere," meaning to press back or suppress, which is a combination of "re-" (back or again) and "premere" (to press)
Historically, the term has been used in various contexts, including psychology, politics, and social sciences, to describe the act of suppressing or restraining thoughts, feelings, or behaviors

Synonyms

oppressive restrictive coercive tyrannical authoritarian dictatorial autocratic harsh severe brutal ruthless merciless pitiless unforgiving unyielding rigid strict stern austere draconian punitive castigatory censorious prohibitive inhibitive suppressive depressive stifling suffocating crushing overwhelming dominating controlling manipulative exploitative abusive violent forceful compulsory obligatory mandatory binding constricting limiting constraining confining restrictive regimented disciplined regulated governed ruled administered managed directed commanded controlled dominated subjugated enslaved enthralled captivated enthralled

Definitions

  • Relating to or characterized by repression, especially the suppression of a person's thoughts or desires
  • * Restrictive or severe in nature, especially in relation to social or political control

Usage Examples

  • The government's repressive policies led to widespread protests and unrest
  • * The repressive regime was known for its brutal suppression of dissent and opposition
  • * The psychologist studied the repressive effects of trauma on a person's mental health

Antonyms

permissive lenient tolerant liberal democratic libertarian anarchic freedom-loving emancipatory empowering liberating freeing unrestrictive unrestrained uncontrolled spontaneous voluntary optional discretionary flexible relaxed casual easygoing indulgent lenient gentle mild moderate reasonable rational sensible pragmatic realistic

Related Adjectives

oppressive restrictive coercive tyrannical authoritarian dictatorial autocratic harsh severe brutal ruthless merciless pitiless unforgiving unyielding rigid strict stern austere draconian punitive castigatory censorious prohibitive inhibitive depressive stifling suffocating crushing overwhelming dominating controlling manipulative exploitative abusive violent forceful compulsory obligatory mandatory binding constricting limiting constraining confining restrictive regimented disciplined regulated governed ruled administered managed directed commanded controlled dominated subjugated enslaved enthralled captivated

Related Nouns

repression oppression suppression restriction limitation constraint prohibition inhibition depression tyranny dictatorship autocracy authoritarianism totalitarianism despotism absolutism monarchy oligarchy hierarchy bureaucracy administration management control domination subjugation enslavement captivity confinement imprisonment incarceration detention

Related Verbs

repress suppress oppress restrict limit constrain prohibit inhibit depress tyrannize dominate subjugate enslave captivate confine imprison incarcerate detain govern rule administer manage direct command control regulate discipline regiment
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