domineering

[dom-uh-neer-ing]

adjective

1. inclined to rule arbitrarily or despotically; overbearing; tyrannical.

   domineering parents.

   Synonyms: oppressive, despotic, arrogant

domineering

/ ˌdɒmɪˈnɪərɪŋ /

adjective

1. acting with or showing arrogance or tyranny; imperious

Other Word Forms

• domineeringness noun
• domineeringly adverb
• nondomineering adjective
• superdomineering adjective
• undomineering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of domineering¹

First recorded in 1580–90; domineer + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Todd Marinovich, the test-tube quarterback with a domineering father whose promising football career was cut short by addiction, discusses his memoir.

From Los Angeles Times

Men are born to be strong, domineering and intelligent, while women are fated to be weak, submissive and emotionally irrational.

From Salon

"It's a very, very controlling and coercive and domineering tactic" which requires "wider awareness," he added.

From BBC

His domineering and abusive father encouraged his son to practise on toy musical instruments; by the age of eight, he was a consummate piano player and a regular in a local church choir.

From BBC

The Americans were favourites to win a fourth successive title after domineering victories in the previous three editions of the biennial event.

From BBC

Related Words

• arrogant 
• autocratic 
• bossy 
• dictatorial 
• imperious 
• overbearing 
• tyrannical