Browbeat is a word that is often used in everyday language, but its meaning may not be entirely clear to everyone. This article will provide a detailed definition and explanation of the term browbeat, including its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The term browbeat refers to intimidating or bullying someone into doing something. It can also mean to use harsh or abusive language to make someone feel inferior or powerless. Browbeating is often done in an attempt to control or dominate someone else.
Origin
The word browbeat has its roots in the Old English language. The word “brow” referred to the forehead or face, while “beat” meant to strike or hit. Over time, the term evolved to mean to intimidate or bully someone.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of browbeat is consistent across various dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to intimidate by overbearing looks or words; to bully, hector.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to intimidate by a stern or overbearing manner; to bully.”
Associations
The term browbeat is often associated with negative behavior, such as bullying, intimidation, and abuse. It is also associated with power dynamics, where one person is trying to assert their dominance over another.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of browbeat include intimidate, bully, coerce, threaten, and harass. These words all describe behavior that seeks to control or dominate another person.
Antonyms
Antonyms of browbeat include encourage, support, uplift, empower, and inspire. These words describe behavior that seeks to build up and strengthen another person, rather than tear them down.
The same root words
The root words of browbeat are “brow” and “beat.” Other words that share the same root words include “eyebrow,” “forehead,” “strike,” and “hit.”
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that demonstrate the use of the term browbeat:
- The boss browbeat his employees into working overtime without pay.
- The coach browbeat the players into practicing longer and harder.
- The politician tried to browbeat the journalist into changing the story.
- The teacher refused to browbeat the students into memorizing information without understanding it.
- The parent did not want to browbeat their child into following a particular career path.