power and control
Grip over others
Power and control describes a pattern of coercive behaviors used to dominate another person, typically in intimate relationships.
The term comes from domestic violence advocacy, where the "power and control wheel" maps tactics like intimidation, isolation, economic abuse, and threats.
The relationship wasn't about love—it was about power and control.
The phrase emphasizes that abuse is systematic domination, not isolated incidents of anger.
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- call the shotsExercise ultimate authority
- gripSecure manual hold
- iron gripExtremely tight grasp
tight grip · force · command · influence · hold sway · upper hand · leverage · mind games · manipulation · reign · tyranny · obedience · throne · puppet · chains · leash · iron fist · whip hand
power and controlpartnership
Shared business arrangement
equality · collaboration · reciprocity · consent · cooperation
power and controlfreedom
Absence of constraint
autonomy · liberation · self-determination · independence · empowerment
power and controldemocracy
Rule by the people
decentralization · flat hierarchy · consensus · power sharing · anarchy
power, control, powers, powered, powering, powerful, powerfully, powerless, powerlessness