Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To treat someone in a domineering, intimidating, or bullying manner: To exert one's authority or power over someone in a way that is aggressive, unfair, or meant to frighten them into compliance.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • You can't just push people around because you're the manager.
  • He felt pushed around by the aggressive sales tactics.
  • The older kids used to push him around on the playground.

Advanced Usage

• "to be pushed around": To be subjected to bullying or domineering treatment.
  • She was tired of being pushed around and decided to speak up.
• Often implies a pattern of behavior rather than a single incident, suggesting the victim is seen as weaker or unable to resist.

Variants and Related Words

• Bully (verb): To use superior strength or influence to intimidate someone, typically to force them to do what one wants. (A more direct synonym).
• Browbeat (verb): To intimidate someone, typically into doing something, with stern or abusive words.
• Hector (verb): To talk to someone in a bullying way.

Synonyms

• Bully
• Boss around
• Intimidate
• Browbeat
• Hector

Related Phrasal Verbs / Phrases

• Push somebody about: A British English variant with the same meaning as "push around".
  • He won't stand for being pushed about by anyone.

Related Idioms

• Throw one's weight around: To use one's authority or power in an aggressive, ostentatious, or bullying way. (This idiom shares the concept of misusing power but is often used in contexts of authority rather than just physical intimidation).
  • The new supervisor started throwing his weight around as soon as he arrived.

Verb

1. be bossy towards
   • Her big brother always bullied her when she was young