browbeaten

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Intimidated or subdued by bullying: "browbeaten" describes a person who has been made to feel fearful, submissive, or defeated through persistent verbal abuse, threats, or domineering behavior.
    • Demoralized through harsh treatment: It implies a state of being worn down by repeated pressure or intimidation, resulting in loss of confidence or will.
Usage Examples
  • Adjective:
    • After years of working for a cruel boss, he looked completely browbeaten. (He appeared intimidated and demoralized from constant harsh treatment.)
    • The browbeaten student finally agreed to the unfair demands. (The student, having been bullied into submission, complied.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to be browbeaten into submission": to be forced to comply through intimidation.

    • The witness was browbeaten into changing his testimony. (The witness was pressured and bullied to alter his statement.)

  • "a browbeaten expression": a facial appearance showing fear or defeat.

    • She wore a browbeaten expression whenever her supervisor approached. (Her face showed signs of intimidation and submissiveness.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Browbeat (verb): to intimidate someone with harsh words or threats.

    • He tried to browbeat his opponent into withdrawing from the competition. (He attempted to bully the opponent into quitting.)

  • Browbeating (noun): the act of intimidating or bullying.

    • Constant browbeating by his peers left him anxious. (The repeated bullying caused him emotional distress.)
Synonyms
  • Intimidated: made to feel fearful or lacking confidence.
  • Bullied: subjected to repeated aggressive behavior or coercion.
  • Cowed: made to submit through fear or threats.
  • Subdued: brought under control, often through force or pressure.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Browbeat into: to force someone to do something through intimidation.
    • The manager browbeat the team into working overtime. (The manager used threats or harsh words to compel the team to work extra hours.)
Related Idioms

  • To be beaten down: to be made to feel defeated or submissive through constant pressure.

    • He felt beaten down by the relentless criticism. (He felt demoralized and overwhelmed by ongoing negative remarks.)

  • To bow to pressure: to yield or submit due to intimidation.

    • She bowed to pressure from her parents and chose a career she didn't want. (She submitted to their bullying and made an unwanted decision.)