browbeat

[ brou-beet ]

verb (used with object)

, brow·beat, brow·beat·en, brow·beat·ing.

1. to intimidate by overbearing looks or words; bully:

   They browbeat him into agreeing.

   Synonyms: coerce, harass, badger, cow, tyrannize

browbeat

/ ˈbraʊˌbiːt /

verb

1. tr to discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate

Derived Forms

• ˈbrowˌbeater, noun

Other Words From

• browbeater noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of browbeat¹

First recorded in 1575–85; brow + beat

Example Sentences

He serves up a series of theories for admitting the incendiary proof of Trump’s alleged weeks-long campaign to browbeat Pence into violating the Constitution and disregarding bona fide electoral votes for Joe Biden.

From Los Angeles Times

He’d rather sleep late than wake up before dawn for a grueling day of fixing cars under his brother’s browbeating supervision.

From Los Angeles Times

She often used a combination of charm and intense browbeating to convince the most reluctant members of the community to speak out in print or on TV.

From BBC

Most of Trump's browbeating of his defense attorneys is probably not visible to the jury.

From Salon

He asserted that the FCC was then goaded into action by President Obama, who was outspoken on the need for reclassification and browbeat Wheeler into going along.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• badger
• bully
• coerce
• harass
• hector
• intimidate
• lean on
• oppress