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Henpecking: meaning, definitions and examples

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henpecking

 

[ hɛnˌpɛkɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

interpersonal dynamics

Henpecking refers to a situation where one partner, typically a wife, constantly criticizes, nag, or dominates the other partner, often a husband, which can lead to frustration and resentment. This behavior is often reflective of traditional gender roles where the woman may feel empowered by exerting control over the man. The term has been derived from the behavior of hens who peck at a more submissive bird within the flock. While often associated with marital relationships, henpecking can also be seen in other relationships where one party feels the need to assert more control.

Synonyms

criticizing, domineering, nagging

Examples of usage

  • She was constantly henpecking her husband about his spending habits.
  • The henpecking dynamic in their marriage led to frequent arguments.
  • He felt overwhelmed by the henpecking from his partner.
  • The term henpecking is often used in discussions about marital issues.
  • Henpecking can sometimes be a sign of deeper relationship problems.

Translations

Translations of the word "henpecking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dominação

🇮🇳 स्त्री द्वारा पति का नियंत्रण

🇩🇪 Zankerei

🇮🇩 pengendalian oleh istri

🇺🇦 доскіпливість

🇵🇱 czepianie się

🇯🇵 小言

🇫🇷 domination

🇪🇸 control de la esposa

🇹🇷 eş tarafından kontrol

🇰🇷 아내의 간섭

🇸🇦 سيطرة الزوجة

🇨🇿 přehnaná kontrola

🇸🇰 kontrola manželky

🇨🇳 妻子的控制

🇸🇮 nadzor žene

🇮🇸 yfirráð eiginkonu

🇰🇿 әйелдің бақылауы

🇬🇪 ცოლის კონტროლი

🇦🇿 arvadın nəzarəti

🇲🇽 control de la esposa

Word origin

The term 'henpecking' dates back to the late 16th century and is derived from the behavior observed in hens, particularly how they tend to peck at their mates. In this context, it represents a metaphor for a domineering or controlling behavior, particularly of a woman towards her husband. The concept gained traction in popular culture during the early 20th century, especially in literature and media that discussed marriage dynamics. The term has largely been used in a pejorative sense to describe relationships where one person exhibits excessively controlling behavior over another, and it often carries implications about traditional gender roles where women are seen as nagging and men as passive. Through the decades, the term has evolved, but retains its core meaning tied to dominance and control in interpersonal dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,159, 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.