henpecked
[hen-pekt]
- browbeaten, bullied, or intimidated by one's wife, girlfriend, etc.: a henpecked husband who never dared to contradict his wife.
Show More
Origin of henpecked
henpeck
[hen-pek]
- to browbeat, bully, or intimidate (one's husband, boyfriend, etc.).
Show More
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for henpecked
acquiescent, compliant, constrained, docile, intimidated, meek, obedient, passive, resigned, submissive, timid, yielding, browbeaten, dominated, unassertive, unresistingExamples from the Web for henpecked
Contemporary Examples of henpecked
One danger is that women will be henpecked by men who now claim that unprotected sex is medically safe.
Historical Examples of henpecked
It was, she said, just the opposite—she who had been henpecked.
Adventures and RecollectionsBill o'th' Hoylus End
People said that Squire Hall was henpecked; they also said that he had married beneath him.
The Way to PeaceMargaret Deland
I had heard of henpecked husbands and now I felt that I saw one.
Anne Of AvonleaLucy Maud Montgomery
I had the gout, my wife was a shrew, and I was—a henpecked husband.
Sheppard Lee, Vol. I (of 2)Robert Montgomery Bird
I am prepared to become an awful example of a henpecked husband.
Mount Royal, Volume 1 of 3Mary Elizabeth Braddon
henpecked
- (of a man) continually harassed or tormented by the persistent nagging of a woman (esp his wife)
Show More
henpeck
- (tr) (of a woman) to harass or torment (a man, esp her husband) by persistent nagging
Show More
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
Word Origin and History for henpecked
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper