mau-mau

mau–mau

verb, often capitalized both Ms \ˈmau̇-ˌmau̇\

mau–mauedmau–mau·ing

Definition of MAU-MAU

transitive verb

: to intimidate (as an official) by hostile confrontation or threats

intransitive verb

: to engage in mau-mauing someone

Origin of MAU-MAU

Mau Mau, anti-European secret society in colonial Kenya

First Known Use: 1970

Related to MAU-MAU

Synonyms: blackjack, bogart, browbeat, bulldoze, bully, bullyrag, cow, hector, 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

[+]more[-]hide