heavy-handed
Americanadjective
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oppressive; harsh.
a heavy-handed master.
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clumsy; graceless.
a heavy-handed treatment of the theme.
adjective
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clumsy
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harsh and oppressive
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of heavy-handed
First recorded in 1625–35
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.
As Wasow and other researchers have found, a heavy-handed police response—like the kind that happened during the Civil Rights Movement and has already happened in France—can engender public sympathy.
From Slate ● Oct. 24, 2026
Opposition leaders and journalists accused police of heavy-handed tactics during weekend demonstrations, as authorities locked down New Delhi on Monday ahead of a fresh rally against the election chief.
From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026
Now, Hochman seems to be doing the same with his heavy-handed approach to Flores.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026
The film "mucks up Orwell", according to the Wall Street Journal,, external who surmised: "As comedy, the movie is feeble, and as allegory for the socioeconomically literate it is heavy-handed."
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
Sometimes, like today, she gets a little heavy-handed with it.
From "The Skin I'm In" by Sharon G. Flake
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