hectors
Badgers with bluster
Hectors is the verb form of hector, meaning to bully or intimidate through bluster and aggressive talk.
Someone who hectors badgers others with persistent demands or criticism: She hectors him about his drinking.
The word suggests domineering behavior that wears down resistance through sheer force of personality rather than physical threat.
browbeat
Intimidate through pressure
- bullyHabitual intimidator
- intimidateInstill fear to control
- domineerRule through intimidation
tyrannize · badger · harass · torment · bulldoze · strong-arm · cow · overbear · menace · terrorize
berate
Criticize severely and lengthily
upbraid · chide · nag · pester · bluster · rail · rant · tongue-lash · admonish · castigate
hectorscoaxes
Persuades through gentle urging
cajoles · entreats · sweet-talks · encourages · beseeches
hectorsdefers
Postpones or yields
yields · submits · acquiesces · capitulates · kowtows