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Browbeat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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browbeat

[หˆbraสŠหŒbiหt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

intimidate someone

To browbeat means to intimidate someone into doing something, often through the use of forceful or aggressive words. This type of manipulation can cause the person being browbeaten to feel pressured or overwhelmed. It's typically employed in situations where one party is trying to assert dominance or control over another. Browbeating can occur in personal relationships, professional environments, or even political contexts.

Synonyms

bully, coerce, harass, intimidate, pressure.

Examples of usage

  • She browbeat her colleagues into agreeing with her proposal.
  • He was browbeaten into silence during the meeting.
  • The manager browbeat the team into completing the project ahead of schedule.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In films, villains often browbeat their victims, using intimidation to control and manipulate them, which emphasizes the word's negative connotation.
  • Common in political debates, where one candidate may browbeat the opponent to weaken their position and gain the upper hand.

Psychology

  • Browbeating can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. It often involves a power imbalance in communication.
  • People who browbeat others may be trying to mask their own insecurities or assert control over a situation.

Literature

  • Timeless literary figures like Shakespeare featured characters who browbeat others, illustrating the power of language in human relationships.
  • In modern novels, antagonists may use browbeating as a tool for coercion, shedding light on themes of power and conflict.

Conflict Resolution

  • Effective communication encourages understanding, while browbeating can escalate conflicts and lead to a breakdown in relationships.
  • Organizations often train leaders to avoid browbeating to maintain a healthy team environment, promoting collaboration instead.

Origin of 'browbeat'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the combination of 'brow' meaning forehead and 'beat', suggesting a figure of speech that pressures or intimidates.
  • It was first recorded in the English language in the late 16th century, showing how long people have used this form of tough communication.

The term 'browbeat' is derived from a combination of the word 'brow,' referring to the forehead or the aspect of a personโ€™s demeanor, and 'beat,' which in this context means to intimidate or overpower. The usage of 'brow' in this sense suggests an imposing or threatening posture. The term dates back to the late 16th century and combines the idea of physically asserting one's presence with verbal intimidation. It reflects the behavior of someone who exerts pressure on others to comply with their wishes through aggressive rhetoric. Through the years, 'browbeat' has been used in various literary and rhetorical contexts, highlighting the power dynamics in human interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,395, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.