'oppressive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'oppressivus,' where 'opprimere' meant 'to press against or crush.'

'oppressivus' transformed into the Old French word 'oppressif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'oppressive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to press against or crush,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'weighing heavily on the mind or spirits' and 'unjustly inflicting hardship.'