heavy-handed

American  

[hev-ee-han-did] / ˈhɛv iˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

1. oppressive; harsh.

   a heavy-handed master.

2. clumsy; graceless.

   a heavy-handed treatment of the theme.

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heavy-handed British  

adjective

1. clumsy

2. harsh and oppressive

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Other Word Forms

• heavy-handedly adverb
• heavy-handedness noun

Etymology

Origin of heavy-handed

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

While most tech companies have pledged to abide by Australian laws, they have warned that the heavy-handed move could simply push teens to darker, less-regulated corners of the internet.

From Barron's

If films about catastrophe often take a schematic, meet-the-victims approach to their opening scenes, Ms. Littman renders hers with persuasive vibrancy, too full of life to have room for heavy-handed portent.

From The Wall Street Journal

And Venezuelans are still grappling with the legacy of the crime wave—as well as the state’s heavy-handed response.

From The Wall Street Journal

Scientist Alexandra, 32, refuses to download Max "out of contrariness" to its heavy-handed promotion.

From Barron's

And for all its heavy-handed writing and mystifying character flourishes, “Tow” manages to be mostly an effective, if silly, story of perseverance, thanks almost entirely to Byrne’s dogged performance.

From Salon

Related Words

• coercive
• cruel
• harsh
• oppressive