henpeck
Criticize a spouse
To henpeck is to nag or dominate, said of a wife toward her husband.
A henpecked husband is one whose wife criticizes him constantly and controls his behavior.
The image is of a hen pecking at something persistently.
The term carries old-fashioned, mildly sexist overtones: His friends joked that he was too henpecked to join them for poker night.
Married partner
- wifeFemale marriage partner
- husbandMarried man's role
- marriageFormal union between partners
- matrimonyLegal union of spouses
wedlock · bickering · squabble · nagging wife · shrewish · termagant · battle-axe · harpy
Control through superior strength
- bossWorkplace superior
- bullyHabitual intimidator
- overbearingArrogantly dominating in manner
- controllingExerting authority over others
tyrannize · browbeat · dictate · command · lord over · subjugate · oppress · intimidate
nag
Pester repeatedly
nitpick · kvetch · hound · chide · berate · upbraid · rebuke · reproach · gripe · grouse
spouse
Married partner
matrimony · wedlock · bickering · squabble · nagging wife · shrewish · termagant · battle-axe · harpy · harridan
dominate
Control through superior strength
- bossWorkplace superior
- bullyHabitual intimidator
- overbearingArrogantly dominating in manner
controlling · tyrannize · browbeat · dictate · command · lord over · subjugate · oppress · intimidate · push around
henpeckpraise
Expression of approval
commend · encourage · support · compliment · applaud
- henpecked husbandMan dominated by wife