hen-peck
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To persistently criticize, dominate, or harass (someone, typically one's husband) with constant trivial complaints, demands, or fault-finding.
Usage
This verb describes a specific pattern of behavior, often within a domestic or close relationship, where one person (traditionally a wife) is perceived as exerting control through relentless nagging. It carries a critical and often sexist connotation, implying petty and emasculating criticism.
Examples
- She would constantly hen-peck him about leaving his socks on the floor.
- He felt hen-pecked by his partner's endless comments about his career choices.
- After years of being hen-pecked, he finally decided to speak up for himself.
Advanced Usage
- "Hen-pecked husband": A common collocation describing a man perceived to be dominated by his wife's constant nagging.
- He became the stereotype of a hen-pecked husband, afraid to make even a small decision without his wife's approval.
Variants and Related Words
- Henpeck (verb): An alternative spelling without the hyphen.
- Henpecked (adjective): The state of being subjected to such behavior.
- He had a henpecked look about him.
Synonyms
- Nag
- Harass
- Badger
- Pester
- Domineer (in this specific context)
Related Idioms
- "To wear the pants/trousers": To be the dominant partner in a relationship. While similar in describing control, it lacks the specific connotation of persistent nagging inherent in "hen-peck."
- It's clear who wears the trousers in that household.
Verb
- bother persistently with trivial complaints
- She nags her husband all day long