hector
UK: ˈhɛktə | US: ˈhɛktər
vt. to bully or intimidate someone aggressively
n. a person who bullies or blusters others
The word "hector" derives from the name Hector, the valiant Trojan prince in Homer’s Iliad. Ironically, English usage shifted from admiration to negative connotations in the 17th century. British slang repurposed the name to mock boastful bullies who resembled Hector’s aggressive (but noble) battlefield demeanor, eventually generalizing to mean any domineering person. The semantic shift reflects how cultural reinterpretation can invert a word’s original prestige.
The older boys would often hector the newcomers into doing their chores.
She refused to be hectored into signing the contract against her will.
His reputation as a hector made him unpopular among colleagues.
Politicians sometimes hector opponents during debates instead of discussing issues.
The coach warned the team not to hector younger players during practice.