henpecked
UK: ˈhɛnˌpɛkt | US: ˈhɛnˌpɛkt
adj. dominated or harassed by one's wife or female partner, often to the point of meek submission
The term "henpecked" originated in the 17th century, combining "hen" (a female bird, symbolizing a domineering wife) and "pecked" (repeatedly struck, as a hen might peck at a subordinate rooster). The imagery reflects societal stereotypes of a nagging wife controlling her husband, likening him to a submissive rooster enduring constant pecking. The "-ed" suffix transforms the verb into an adjective, describing the state of being dominated.
John’s friends teased him for being henpecked because he always obeyed his wife’s strict rules.
The henpecked husband quietly agreed to cancel his fishing trip when his wife disapproved.
In the comedy show, the henpecked character never dared to argue with his assertive spouse.
She denied being overbearing, but her henpecked partner rarely made decisions without her input.
The old man joked that after 50 years of marriage, he’d grown accustomed to his henpecked role.