controlling

The word “controlling” means trying to dominate or dictate other people's behavior. In plain terms, wanting to dominate and dictate others, or the act of managing something.

“Controlling” is pronounced kuhn-TROH-lihng (/kənˈtɹoʊlɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “controlling” used in a sentence: “Her controlling boyfriend checked her phone every night.”

Depending on how it is used, “controlling” can be an adjective and a noun.

“Controlling” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Controlling” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: trying to dominate or dictate other people's behavior.

Being assertive means expressing your own needs and opinions clearly while respecting others. Being controlling means trying to dominate or dictate other people's behaviour. Assertiveness stays within your own boundaries, whereas controlling behaviour crosses into managing what others do.

A controlling person tries to dominate or dictate others' behaviour, often openly. A manipulative person influences others through indirect, deceptive or emotional tactics. Controlling behaviour is usually more direct, while manipulation works by hidden persuasion, though the two often overlap.

'Managing' means organizing and directing something in a balanced, responsible way. 'Controlling', applied to people, suggests going further and trying to dominate their behaviour. The noun sense of 'controlling' can simply mean directing or managing, but as an adjective for a person it usually carries a negative tone.