brow-beat
Coerce through intimidation
To browbeat is to intimidate or pressure someone through stern, overbearing behavior—harsh looks, relentless questions, or bullying persistence.
The detective browbeat the suspect into confessing.
The word evokes someone bearing down with furrowed brow, using domineering presence rather than physical force.
Usually spelled as one word: browbeat.
Habitual intimidator
- threatenPromise harm or punishment
- menaceSource of potential harm
- cowFemale bovine
- dauntDiscourage through fear
overawe · unnerve · terrorize · frighten · scare · subdue · domineer · tyrannize
bully
Habitual intimidator
daunt · overawe · unnerve · terrorize · frighten · scare · subdue · domineer · tyrannize · oppress
bully
Habitual intimidator
strong-arm · arm-twist · dragoon · press-gang · railroad · steamroll · push · corner · squeeze · muscle
scold
Rebuke harshly
reprimand · admonish · castigate · censure · criticize · lambaste · harangue · lecture · tongue-lash