browbeat
/'braubi:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate
- be bossy towards
- Her big brother always bullied her when she was young