hector
/'hektə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To intimidate or bully someone in a loud, aggressive, or domineering way. This involves using threats, bluster, or persistent harassment to make someone do something or to feel inferior.
- To speak or act in a boastful, swaggering, or blustering manner, often to assert dominance.
Noun:
- (Proper Noun, capitalized) In classical mythology, Hector was a Trojan prince and the greatest warrior for Troy in the Trojan War, killed by Achilles. This usage is almost always a name.
- (Common noun, lowercase) A bully; a person who hectors others. This usage is derived from the verb and is less common.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- The manager would often hector his employees about minor mistakes.
- Don't let him hector you into agreeing; stand your ground.
- The politician was known for hectoring his opponents during debates.
Noun (Proper):
- In Homer's *Iliad, Hector is portrayed as a noble and devoted family man.*
Noun (Common):
- He was nothing but a loud-mouthed hector who couldn't back up his threats.
Advanced Usage
"To hector someone into (doing) something": To bully or badger someone until they comply.
- The salesperson tried to hector me into buying the extended warranty.
The verb often implies a persistent, nagging, or noisy form of intimidation, not just physical threat. It suggests the use of words and attitude to dominate.
Variants and Related Words
- Hectoring (adjective/noun): Describing a loud, bullying, or domineering manner.
- Hectorer (noun): One who hectors (less commonly used).
Synonyms
- Verb: Bully, browbeat, intimidate, badger, harass, torment, tyrannize, bluster.
- Noun (common): Bully, braggart, browbeater, tormentor.
Antonyms
- Verb: Encourage, coax, persuade gently, appease, mollify.
- Noun (common): Peacemaker, supporter, ally.
Related Phrases/Idioms
- While not a fixed idiom, the action is often described with the phrase "adopt a hectoring tone" or "hectoring manner."
- His hectoring manner made the team meetings unbearable.
Noun
- (Greek mythology) a mythical Trojan who was killed by Achilles during the Trojan War
Verb
- be bossy towards
- Her big brother always bullied her when she was young