hector

²hector

verb

hec·toredhec·tor·ing\-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of HECTOR

intransitive verb

: to play the bully : swagger

transitive verb

: to intimidate or harass by bluster or personal pressure

— hec·tor·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of HECTOR

1. The judge ordered the attorney to stop hectoring the witness.
2. <the children used to constantly hector the poor dog, and now he growls at everybody>

First Known Use of HECTOR

1660

Related to HECTOR

Synonyms: blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, cow, intimidate, mau-mau, strong-arm

Related Words: bluster, trash-talk; affright, alarm (also alarum), frighten, horrify, scare, shock, spook, startle, terrify; menace, terrorize, threaten; badger, harass, hound; bludgeon, coerce, compel, constrain, dragoon, force, make, oblige, press, pressure, push around; demoralize, psych (out), unman, unnerve; discompose, disconcert, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, upset

Near Antonyms: cheer, comfort, console, reassure, solace, soothe; embolden, encourage, hearten, steel; convince, persuade

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See Synonym Discussion at bait