hiếp hách
Definition
- Verb:
- To bully; to act in a domineering and oppressive manner: To use one's strength, power, or position to intimidate, coerce, or mistreat others, especially those who are weaker or in a subordinate position.
- To tyrannize: To exercise power in a cruel and arbitrary way.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Kẻ đó luôn hiếp hách bạn học. (That person always bullies classmates.)
- Bọn côn đồ hiếp hách người dân trong khu phố. (The thugs tyrannize the people in the neighborhood.)
- Ông chủ không nên hiếp hác nhân viên. (A boss should not bully employees.)
Advanced Usage
- The term often describes a pattern of behavior rather than a single act, implying habitual abuse of power.
- It is commonly used in social and community contexts to describe the actions of local bullies, corrupt officials, or abusive figures.
Variants and Related Words
- Hiếp đáp (v): To oppress and bully; often used interchangeably with "hiếp hách," though it can sometimes imply a slightly broader range of mistreatment.
- Chúng hiếp đáp dân lành. (They oppress innocent people.)
Synonyms
- Bully: To seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable.
- Tyrannize: To rule or treat someone with cruel and unjust power.
- Domineer: To assert one's will over others in an arrogant way.
- Oppress: To keep someone in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority.
Related Idioms
- Cậy quyền hiếp thế: To rely on one's power and position to bully others; to abuse authority.
- Hắn cậy quyền hiếp thế, ai cũng ghét. (He abuses his authority to bully others; everyone hates him.)