overbearing

[oh-ver-bair-ing]

adjective

1. domineering; dictatorial; haughtily or rudely arrogant.

2. of overwhelming or critical importance.

overbearing

/ ˌəʊvəˈbɛərɪŋ /

adjective

1. domineering or dictatorial in manner or action

2. of particular or overriding importance or significance

Other Word Forms

• overbearingly adverb
• overbearingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overbearing¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; overbear + -ing ²

Example Sentences

In the cocktail of their marriage, he adds the bitterness and she adds the spice, qualities that can be either overbearing or harmonious.

From Los Angeles Times

He told jurors he could sometimes be "overbearing", but claimed that was just his "direct Yorkshire style".

From BBC

"Whatever your view of the hate speech vs freedom of speech issues, an overbearing government minister doesn't help anyone," he said.

From BBC

As far as its evolution, I was glad to see the podcast group, with its overbearing members, whittled away — though we had to deal with Che for another season.

From Los Angeles Times

He told jurors at Inner London Crown Court he could sometimes be "overbearing" but that was just his "direct Yorkshire style".

From BBC

Related Words

• autocratic 
• bossy 
• cocky 
• dictatorial 
• high-handed 
• imperious 
• oppressive 
• tyrannical