Browbeating: meaning, definitions and examples

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browbeating

 

[ ˈbraʊbiːtɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,100, 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.