Hectors

To hector means to bully or intimidate someone, particularly through verbal aggression or domineering behavior. It implies a sense of overbearing authority or repeated harassment, often aimed at instilling fear or compliance in the target. The term can also indicate persistently annoying or nagging someone.

Hectors meaning with examples

• Despite her calm demeanor, Jessica often hectors her colleagues about meeting deadlines, creating a tense work environment. Her constant reminders overshadow her supportive intentions, making everyone feel stressed about their productivity.
• In the classroom, the teacher hectors students about their homework, emphasizing grades over learning. This approach diminishes enthusiasm for the subject and fosters a fear of failure rather than a love for knowledge.
• During the debate, one candidate hectors the opposing side, attempting to rattle them with aggressive questioning. This tactic, while it can be effective in the short term, may alienate voters who dislike confrontational politics.
• Tom felt hectoring pressure from his parents to pursue a career he wasn’t passionate about. Their constant push made him feel trapped, leading to stress and resentment rather than motivation to succeed.
• Brianna decided to speak to her friend after hectoring her about her choices for weeks. She believed constructive criticism would be more helpful than continuous chastisement, which only left Brianna feeling misunderstood and judged.