henpecked
2 synonyms for henpecked, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Constantly nagged and dominated by a wife, girlfriend or other partner, especially said of a man.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
under the thumb
dominated
How to use henpecked
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
henpecked husband
henpecked boyfriend
feel henpecked
a henpecked man
The word is informal and carries a joking or mildly mocking tone, so it suits casual speech rather than formal writing.
Etymology
Henpecked is built from hen and pecked, joining the two words directly. It pictures a hen pecking at something, applied to a person worn down by constant nagging.
Full origin of henpecked →Frequently asked questions
What does henpecked mean?
It describes someone, usually a man, who is dominated and constantly nagged by his wife or partner.
Is henpecked an insult?
It is informal and can sound mocking, so it is best avoided in a serious or respectful description of a relationship.
Where does the word henpecked come from?
It combines hen and pecked, comparing constant nagging to a hen pecking repeatedly at something.
