Browbeating: meaning, definitions and examples
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browbeating
[ ˈbraʊbiːtɪŋ ]
intimidation tactic
Browbeating refers to the act of using intimidating words or behavior to coerce someone into doing something. It often involves aggressive pressure or bullying tactics to dominate a conversation or a situation. This method is typically employed in discussions where one party seeks to assert control or influence over another, often disregarding the latter's opinions or feelings. Browbeating can create a hostile environment, leading to feelings of helplessness for the person being browbeaten.
Synonyms
bullying, coercing, domineering, intimidating, pressuring.
Examples of usage
- He was browbeating his colleagues to accept his proposal.
- The manager resorted to browbeating to enforce compliance.
- She felt browbeaten during the debate, unable to express her thoughts.
- Don't browbeat me into agreeing with you.
- They were browbeaten into silence by the controlling team leader.
Translations
Translations of the word "browbeating" in other languages:
🇵🇹 intimidação
🇮🇳 धमकाना
🇩🇪 Einschüchterung
🇮🇩 mengintimidasi
🇺🇦 погроза
🇵🇱 zastraszanie
🇯🇵 脅し
🇫🇷 intimidation
🇪🇸 intimidación
🇹🇷 tehdit etme
🇰🇷 위협하기
🇸🇦 تهديد
🇨🇿 zastrašování
🇸🇰 zastrašovanie
🇨🇳 威胁
🇸🇮 strašenje
🇮🇸 ógnun
🇰🇿 қорқыту
🇬🇪 ბოროტება
🇦🇿 təhdid etmək
🇲🇽 intimidación
Etymology
The term 'browbeat' is believed to have originated in the late 16th century. The word is a combination of 'brow,' referring to the forehead or the expression of a person's face, and 'beat,' which in this context implies striking or making an impact. Its use was metaphorical, suggesting that one could 'strike' fear into someone through a fierce demeanor or threatening language. Over the years, the term has evolved to specifically denote verbal intimidation, moving from a broader sense of influence to a more calculated use of coercion. The first documented use of 'browbeat' can be traced to a 1589 play by English playwright Robert Greene, where the word was used to describe the act of browbeating as a means of enforcing control or obtaining compliance.