hectoring

noun

UK/ˈhek.tᵊr.ɪŋ/
US/ˈhek.tɚ.ɪŋ/

Definitions of hectoring noun

  1. Uncountable

    The act of speaking or behaving in a loud, unpleasant, and forceful way, often intended to make someone do or think what you want.

    • His first marriage dissolved because of his wife's constant hectoring.

    • His spiteful hectoring alienated those who might otherwise have supported him.

    • She refused to give in to his hectoring tone.

adjective

UK/ˈhek.tᵊr.ɪŋ/
US/ˈhek.tɚ.ɪŋ/

Definitions of hectoring adjective

  1. Describes someone whose way of talking and behaving is loud, unpleasant, and forceful, especially in an attempt to make others do or think what they want.

    • He spoke in a coarse and hectoring manner.

    • His staff ignored his hectoring emails and phone calls for months.

    • She entered the room in a hectoring way, ordering everyone to start working immediately.