1. in a way that controls or restricts people’s freedom, especially through harsh or authoritarian methods

Examples

• The government acted repressively against peaceful protesters.
• The school was run repressively, with strict rules governing every aspect of student life.
• The dictator ruled repressively for decades, silencing all opposition.
• Parents who discipline repressively may harm their children’s emotional development.
• The company operated repressively, monitoring employees’ every move.
• The regime responded repressively to calls for democratic reform.