1. using harsh methods to control or restrict people’s freedom, especially political freedom
2. tending to suppress or restrain something, especially emotions or desires

Examples

• The repressive government banned all forms of protest.
• Citizens fled the repressive regime to seek freedom elsewhere.
• The school’s repressive policies stifled student creativity.
• She grew up in a repressive household where emotions were never discussed.
• The repressive atmosphere made it difficult for new ideas to flourish.
• Many artists left the country due to repressive censorship laws.
• His repressive upbringing made it hard for him to express his feelings.