browbeat — to intimidate or bully someone with harsh words or threatening behavior
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to intimidate or bully someone with harsh words or threatening behavior
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbraʊˌbiːt/
Example Sentences
- The lawyer tried to browbeat the witness, but she stood her ground.
- My mom can browbeat anyone into eating her vegetables, even picky eaters.
- Don't let that bully browbeat you into giving up your lunch money!
browbeat
VERB[/ˈbraʊˌbiːt/]
to intimidate or bully someone with harsh words or threatening behavior
someone being intimidated and bullied through harsh threatening behavior
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From 16th century English, combining 'brow' (forehead/eyebrow area) and 'beat' (to strike). Originally described intimidating someone through fierce facial expressions and threatening looks.
Breakdown
brow (forehead/eyebrow) + beat (to strike/intimidate)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The lawyer tried to browbeat the witness, but she stood her ground.”
“My mom can browbeat anyone into eating her vegetables, even picky eaters.”
“Don't let that bully browbeat you into giving up your lunch money!”
“The drill sergeant's job is to browbeat recruits into shape, literally.”
📚Related Words
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