hector
Translation
to hector, to bully, to browbeat
Examples
The lawyer hectored the witness on the stand.
The lawyer hectored the witness on the stand.
He was tired of being hectored by his boss.
He was tired of being hectored by his boss.
Grammar Patterns
to hector ((sb.)) to talk to (sb.) in a bullying way The manager hectored the new employee.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bully, intimidate, browbeat; Antonyms: praise, encourage, soothe
Etymology
From Hector, the Trojan hero in Greek mythology. In the 17th century, a gang of bullies in London called themselves 'Hectors', and the name became associated with their behaviour.
Memory Tips
Picture the mythical hero Hector shouting at and bullying his opponents.