Henpeck: meaning, definitions and examples
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henpeck
[ ˈhɛnˌpɛk ]
peer relationship
To henpeck means to nag or criticize someone, typically a husband, in a constant or trivial manner. It implies that one person, often a wife, is dominating and controlling the other through relentless complaints or scolding. This word has a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a one-sided, authoritative relationship. The term is rooted in the behavior seen in domestic chickens, where a hen may pick at another hen to assert dominance.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She continually henpecks him about his eating habits.
- The husband felt henpecked and began to resent his wife's constant reminders.
- Many men feel henpecked when their partners are overly controlling.
Translations
Translations of the word "henpeck" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mandar em
🇮🇳 पत्नी द्वारा नियंत्रित होना
🇩🇪 dominieren
🇮🇩 dikuasai
🇺🇦 контролювати
🇵🇱 kontrolować
🇯🇵 支配する
🇫🇷 dominer
🇪🇸 dominar
🇹🇷 kontrol etmek
🇰🇷 지배하다
🇸🇦 يسيطر
🇨🇿 ovládat
🇸🇰 ovládať
🇨🇳 控制
🇸🇮 obvladovati
🇮🇸 stýra
🇰🇿 басым болу
🇬🇪 კონტროლი
🇦🇿 idarə etmək
🇲🇽 dominar
Etymology
The word 'henpeck' originates from the early 19th century, with its first known use in 1876. It is a compound of 'hen,' referring to a female chicken, and 'peck,' which means to strike or bite with a beak. The metaphorical usage highlights the behavior of hens pecking at each other to establish social order or exert dominance, paralleling the idea of one partner (usually the wife) being overbearing towards another (typically the husband). This dynamic underscores societal views of gender roles at the time, portraying women as controlling figures within family structures. The term reflects cultural perceptions of marriage and authority, persisting into modern-day discussions about gender and power in relationships.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,299, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.