heavy-handed

[ hev-ee-han-did ]

adjective

1. oppressive; harsh:

   a heavy-handed master.

2. clumsy; graceless:

   a heavy-handed treatment of the theme.

heavy-handed

adjective

1. clumsy
2. harsh and oppressive

Derived Forms

• ˌheavy-ˈhandedness, noun
• ˌheavy-ˈhandedly, adverb

Other Words From

• heavy-handed·ly adverb
• heavy-handed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heavy-handed¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

Around 3,500 England supporters travelled to the Greek capital for the sold-out fixture but some fans complained of being "pushed" and receiving "heavy-handed" treatment from local police.

From BBC

Molly says the rail companies are being "heavy-handed" about genuine mistakes.

From BBC

“But a handful of mild symptoms don’t warrant a heavy-handed response.”

From Salon

The department has been criticized for its heavy-handed response to those celebrations, with officers being accused of firing less-lethal rounds indiscriminately into crowds, injuring protesters and costing the city millions in settlement payouts.

From Los Angeles Times

Rashid has chosen to be part of the democratic process but has been vocal against what he calls Delhi's "heavy-handed" rule in Kashmir.

From BBC

Related Words

• coercive
• cruel
• harsh
• oppressive