oppressively
/əˈprɛsɪvli/
adverb
- In a way that is harsh, cruel, or unfair, especially by using power or authority.
- The government acted oppressively toward anyone who criticized it.
- Laws were enforced oppressively, with no regard for individual rights.
- The manager spoke oppressively to the employees, making them afraid to speak up.
- In a way that feels uncomfortably heavy, overwhelming, or suffocating.
- The heat was oppressively humid, making it hard to breathe.
- The sky was oppressively gray, as if a storm was about to break.
- The silence in the room was oppressively thick after the argument.