How to Memorize

hector - bully

Analysis

To ‘hector’ somebody means to speak to them in an angry or intimidating way, especially in order to get them to think or act as you want them to. As the word implies an attempt to bully or dominate somebody, it is always used in a negative context and to express disapproval.

Example(s)

1. If an employee has done something wrong, our boss never explains things in a calm rational way. Instead, she chooses to hector them which destroys self-confidence.

2. Instead of hectoring the dissatisfied customer, John should have been understanding and taken on board what she had to say.

3. Mike is not a team player. In meetings, he likes to hector others to try and force them to think as he does rather than entertain other opinions.