domineering

American  

[dom-uh-neer-ing] / ˌdɒm əˈnɪər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. inclined to rule arbitrarily or despotically; overbearing; tyrannical.

   domineering parents.

   Synonyms:

   oppressive, despotic, arrogant

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domineering British  

/ ˌdɒmɪˈnɪərɪŋ /

adjective

1. acting with or showing arrogance or tyranny; imperious

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Other Word Forms

• domineeringly adverb
• domineeringness noun
• nondomineering adjective
• superdomineering adjective
• undomineering adjective

Etymology

Origin of domineering

First recorded in 1580–90; domineer + -ing ²

Example Sentences

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

But Roslyn Ruff, a talented actor who speaks the verse with commendable clarity, fails to imbue the character with the necessary domineering imperiousness.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the time, the idea of crossing into the domineering English mainstream was often just a one-way deal, Times music columnist Agustin Gurza argued.

From Los Angeles Times

"He was just so domineering and you just couldn't talk back to him," she added.

From BBC

Helen, the oldest sibling, is a domineering homemaker who has appointed herself keeper of the family recipes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• arrogant
• autocratic
• bossy
• dictatorial
• imperious
• overbearing
• tyrannical