browbeat

verb

brow·​beat ˈbrau̇-ˌbēt 

browbeat; browbeaten ˈbrau̇-ˈbē-tᵊn  or browbeat; browbeating

transitive verb

: to intimidate or disconcert by a stern manner or arrogant speech : bully

likes to browbeat the waitstaff

Synonyms

• blackjack
• bogart
• bulldoze
• bully
• bullyrag
• cow
• hector
• intimidate
• strong-arm

Choose the Right Synonym for browbeat

intimidate, cow, bulldoze, bully, browbeat mean to frighten into submission.

intimidate implies inducing fear or a sense of inferiority into another.

intimidated by so many other bright freshmen

cow implies reduction to a state where the spirit is broken or all courage is lost.

not at all cowed by the odds against making it in show business

bulldoze implies an intimidating or an overcoming of resistance usually by urgings, demands, or threats.

bulldozed the city council into approving the plan

bully implies intimidation through threats, insults, or aggressive behavior.

bullied into giving up their lunch money

browbeat implies a cowing through arrogant, scornful, or contemptuous treatment.

browbeat the witness into a contradiction

Examples of browbeat in a Sentence

His father likes to browbeat waiters and waitresses.

they would often browbeat the younger child until he cried

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, almost a decade-and-a-half later, the glitzy tentpole event for the Washington media establishment is a shadow of its former self, boycotted and browbeaten by President Donald Trump and his supporters. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025

But his curt, at times browbeating, management style resurfaced, alienating some subordinates, according to former colleagues. —Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025

For various examples and further detailed indications about browbeating prompting, see my coverage at the link here. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

His browbeating nature is one the Leafs have needed for years. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for browbeat

• amit
• athlete
• backseat
• blackfeet
• broadsheet
• buckwheat
• compete
• compleat
• complete
• conceit
• concrete
• crabmeat

Kids Definition

browbeat

verb

brow·​beat ˈbrau̇-ˌbēt 

browbeat; browbeaten -ˌbēt-ᵊn  ; browbeating

: to frighten by a stern manner or threatening speech : bully