browbeat

[ brou-beet ]
See synonyms for: browbeatbrowbeatenbrowbeatingbrowbeater on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),brow·beat, brow·beat·en, brow·beat·ing.
  1. to intimidate by overbearing looks or words; bully: They browbeat him into agreeing.

Origin of browbeat

1
First recorded in 1575–85; brow + beat

Other words for browbeat

Other words from browbeat

  • browbeater, noun

Words Nearby browbeat

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use browbeat in a sentence

  • After parents and friends “browbeat” them about where to apply, what really influenced their decision about where to go?

  • He sent the woman up to her room to pack while he expostulated with and browbeat the excited bridegroom in the carriage.

    Gallegher and Other Stories | Richard Harding Davis
  • He proceeded to harangue and even to browbeat the Mayor, who was a very insignificant person compared with Commodore Decatur.

    Twelve Naval Captains | Molly Elliot Seawell
  • Especially as you know perfectly well, and just want to browbeat me into telling lies.

    The Magic World | Edith Nesbit
  • I now think I was wrong; but I had a feeling that the principal intended to browbeat me into an acknowledgment.

    Breaking Away | Oliver Optic
  • I have seen young men browbeat their sisters, tease them, and be continually unkind.

British Dictionary definitions for browbeat

browbeat

/ (ˈbraʊˌbiːt) /


verb-beats, -beating, -beat or -beaten
  1. (tr) to discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate

Derived forms of browbeat

  • browbeater, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012