browbeat

Cow into submission

To browbeat is to intimidate or pressure someone through persistent, aggressive confrontation—typically verbal bullying rather than physical threats.

The word evokes someone bearing down on another with furrowed brow and relentless demands: The detective browbeat the suspect into confessing.

A browbeaten person has been worn down into submission or compliance.

intimidate

bully

Habitual intimidator

cowFemale bovine
dauntDiscourage through fear
overaweSubdue by inspiring dread

domineer · tyrannize · menace · terrorize · threaten · frighten · unnerve · dismay · subdue · oppress

coerce

pressure

Force upon contact

compelForce to act
forceStrength or compulsion
coaxPersuade by gentle urging

cajole · manipulate · arm-twist · constrain · railroad · press · push · drive · impel · oblige

demean

belittle

To make something seem unimportant

humiliateCause painful shame
disparageExpress low opinion of
berateCriticize severely and lengthily

deride · mock · taunt · insult · put down · dress down · tear down · lambaste · upbraid · chide

Categories

lord it overboss around, bully, intimidate, dominate, oppress
fear reactionsscream, scared, gasp, terrified, flinch
discouraging actionsdeter, dissuade, daunt, dishearten, demoralize
oppressoppress, persecute, tyrannize, subjugate, dominate

Opposites

method of influence

browbeatcoax

Persuade by gentle urging

cajole · wheedle · persuade · sweet-talk · beguile

emotional impact on target

browbeatencourage

Urge forward with support

hearten · embolden · reassure · comfort · bolster

Family

browbeaten, browbeating, browbeater, browbeats, browbeatings, browbeaters

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG