browbeat
verb (used with object)
to intimidate by overbearing looks or words; bully.
browbeats
-
present tense formof browbeat (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The actor was shown to no less domineering effect in The Great Santini, playing a frustrated Marine pilot who hectors and browbeats his teenage children.
From BBC ● Feb. 16, 2026
It begins with light comedy, as Joan outwits or browbeats squires, soldiers, courtiers and even an archbishop into letting her have her way.
From New York Times ● Apr. 26, 2018
Underwritten and a smidge too long, “Caught” is marred by an over-excited musical score that browbeats where it should tease.
From New York Times ● Mar. 29, 2018
Brown browbeats them into playing what he’s got in mind, explaining that they should treat all of their instruments as drums, and suddenly the song comes together.
From Slate ● Jul. 31, 2014
And Miss Alcott is fond of working her story around, so that she can better rub in a moral precept—and the moral sometimes browbeats the story.
From Essays Before a Sonata by Charles Ives
