hen-pecked
Nagged into submission
Hen-pecked describes a man who is constantly nagged, criticized, or dominated by his wife or female partner.
The image is of a hen pecking at subordinate birds.
The term carries old-fashioned and mildly sexist overtones, implying that proper household authority has been inverted: His hen-pecked husband routine got old fast.
Also spelled henpecked.
Subdued by persistent pressure
- controlledKept within limits
- subjugatedBrought under control
- oppressedTreated with cruel control
- bossedExercised authority over
overpowered · dictated · governed · overruled · tyrannized · bulldozed · suppressed · constrained
Humbly unassertive
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- passiveNot actively participating
- compliantYielding to others' wishes
- obedientFollowing commands willingly
deferential · yielding · unassertive · acquiescent · subservient · tame · subdued · mild
browbeaten
Subdued by persistent pressure
- controlledKept within limits
- subjugatedBrought under control
- oppressedTreated with cruel control
bossed · overpowered · dictated · governed · overruled · tyrannized · bulldozed · suppressed · constrained · restrained
meek
Humbly unassertive
- docileEasily controlled or taught
- passiveNot actively participating
- compliantYielding to others' wishes
obedient · deferential · yielding · unassertive · acquiescent · subservient · tame · subdued · mild · pliant
badgered
Persistently pressured someone
- pesteredAnnoyed with persistence
- harassedPersistently tormented
- criticizedExpressed disapproval of
scolded · berated · chided · carped · nitpicked · upbraided · harangued · lectured · reproved · needled
hen-peckeddomineering
Aggressively asserting control
controlling · dominant · overbearing · tyrannical · authoritarian
hen-peckedassertive
Confidently self-assured
dominant · strong-willed · independent · commanding · forceful