Thesaurus

hector

Q: How is the word 'hector' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hector are badger , bait , chivy , heckle , and hound . While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering. // football players hectored by their coach

Q: Where would 'badger' be a reasonable alternative to 'hector'?

The synonyms badger and hector are sometimes interchangeable, but badger implies pestering so as to drive a person to confusion or frenzy. // badgered her father for a car

Q: When is it sensible to use 'bait' instead of 'hector'?

Although the words bait and hector have much in common, bait implies wanton cruelty or delight in persecuting a helpless victim. // baited the chained dog

Q: When could 'chivy' be used to replace 'hector'?

While the synonyms chivy and hector are close in meaning, chivy suggests persecution by teasing or nagging. // chivied the new student mercilessly

Q: When is 'heckle' a more appropriate choice than 'hector'?

The words heckle and hector can be used in similar contexts, but heckle implies persistent annoying or belligerent interruptions of a speaker. // drunks heckled the stand-up comic

Q: When would 'hound' be a good substitute for 'hector'?

The words hound and hector are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, hound implies unrelenting pursuit and harassing. // hounded by creditors

noun

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Synonyms of hector

(Entry 1 of 2)

a person who teases, threatens, or hurts smaller, weaker, or more vulnerable persons

law penalizing debt collection agencies that operate like hectors

Synonyms for hector

Words Related to hector

hector

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of hector (Entry 2 of 2)

to make timid or fearful by or as if by threats

the judge warned the attorney that hectoring the witness with aggressive questioning would not be allowed

Synonyms for hector

Words Related to hector

Phrases Synonymous with hector

pick on

Near Antonyms for hector

Frequently Asked Questions About hector

How is the word hector distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of hector are badger, bait, chivy, heckle, and hound. While all these words mean "to harass by efforts to break down," hector carries an implication of bullying and domineering.

football players hectored by their coach