henpecking

Constant petty criticism

Henpecking is persistent nagging or domineering by a wife toward her husband.

The image comes from hens pecking at roosters or each other in the barnyard.

A henpecked husband is one whose wife controls him through constant criticism or demands: After years of henpecking, he'd stopped offering opinions at all.

nagging

badgering

Persistent harassment or nagging

pesteringPersistent unwanted attention
harassingPersistently tormenting another
carpingTrivial persistent criticism

nitpicking · complaining · grumbling · whining · kvetching · fussing · griping · moaning · grousing · needling

marital

spouse

Married partner

wifeFemale marriage partner
husbandMarried man's role
matrimonyLegal union of spouses

bickering · squabbling · quarreling · discord · tension · friction · resentment · dysfunctional · unhappy · strained

domineering

bossy

Too fond of directing others

controllingExerting authority over others
overbearingArrogantly dominating in manner
dictatorialImposing absolute control

dominating · authoritarian · tyrannical · imperious · commanding · micromanaging · bullying · intimidating · high-handed · heavy-handed

submission

submissive

Readily yielding to control

whippedStruck repeatedly, or defeated
cowedIntimidated into submission
meekHumbly unassertive

docile · timid · passive · compliant · obedient · deferential · spineless · pushover · doormat · browbeaten

henpecking

badgering

spouse

bossy

submissive

henpecking

Opposites

Categories

Family