Definition

1. Verb:
   • To discourage or frighten someone into doing something by using threats or a very domineering, overbearing manner; to intimidate through harsh words or aggressive behavior.

Usage

• The verb "browbeat" is transitive and requires a direct object (the person being intimidated).
• It is often used in contexts where one person uses psychological pressure, stern looks, or verbal threats to coerce another.
• Common constructions are "to browbeat someone" or "to browbeat someone into (doing) something."

Examples

• Verb:
  • The lawyer tried to browbeat the witness during the cross-examination.
  • He browbeat his employees into working overtime without pay.
  • She refused to be browbeaten by the aggressive sales tactics.

Advanced Usage

• "to browbeat someone into submission": to intimidate someone so severely that they give up and comply.
  • The dictator browbeat the opposition into submission.
• The past tense and past participle form is browbeat. The less common past participle "browbeaten" is also acceptable.
  • They had browbeat/browbeaten him for years.

Variants and Related Words

• Browbeater (n): a person who browbeats others.
  • He was known as a notorious browbeater in the office.

Synonyms

• Bully: To use strength or power to hurt or intimidate.
• Intimidate: To frighten or threaten someone to make them do something.
• Hector: To talk to someone in a bullying way.
• Coerce: To persuade someone to do something by using force or threats.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Browbeat into: This is the standard construction for specifying the action coerced.
  • They browbeat him into signing the contract.

Verb

1. discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate
2. be bossy towards
   • Her big brother always bullied her when she was young