Words / C2

BROWB-eet/ˈbraʊbiːt/

To browbeat is to intimidate someone with stern or overbearing words (browbeat into): browbeat the clerk, browbeaten into silence. To bully and to intimidate (already in the dictionary) are everyday and wider; to belittle (already in the dictionary) is to make a person seem unimportant, not to cow them. Peremptory (already in the dictionary) is of a tone that allows no discussion. Do not cow a junior for asking where the date went.

Meaning

To intimidate someone with stern or overbearing words (browbeat into).

Examples

• “Do not browbeat a junior for asking where the date went.”
• “To bully is everyday (already in B1). To intimidate is to frighten into obedience (already in B2). To belittle is to make seem small (already in C2). Peremptory is “no argument” (already in C2). A dated objection can be sharp and still fair. Corridor heat is theatre. Table the empty cell; spare the junior.”

Good to know

Bully with stern words. Everyday: bully / intimidate (already in this dictionary). Close: belittle (already in C2). Contrast: peremptory (no discussion — already in C2). A date is not a personal attack.

Near in meaning

intimidate, bully, cow, hector

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