ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hector

v.
C1 Advanced US //ˈhɛktɝ// UK //hˈɛktɐ// hec·tor

v. to talk to someone in an angry or bossy way to make them do what you want. It often involves repeating the same demands or threats until the person gives in.

v. to intimidate or harass someone through persistent, domineering speech or behavior. Often implies an aggressive or bullying tone intended to compel compliance.


SIMPLE

The boss likes to hector his employees about being late.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer began to hector the witness, hoping that aggressive questioning would lead to a mistake in the testimony.

COMPLEX

Rather than offering constructive criticism, the director chose to hector the cast for their lack of focus, creating an atmosphere of resentment rather than one of creative collaboration.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin Hectōr or Ancient Greek Ἕκτωρ (Héktōr), from ἕκτωρ (héktōr, “holding fast”), from ἔχω (ékhō, “to have, hold”), from Proto-Indo-European *seǵʰ- (“to hold; to overpower”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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