Oppressive means to suppress or burden someone through cruel, unjust, or arbitrary treatment. It can refer to a situation where one group has power over another and is using that power in a way that causes harm or suffering. Oppression can take many forms such as physical abuse, economic exploitation, political repression, social exclusion, or cultural domination. The word "oppressive" describes the actions of those who use their authority to control others through intimidation, fear, and manipulation.