domineer

/ˌˈdɑməˌˈnɪər/

Other forms: domineering; domineered; domineers

The verb domineer means to rule with tyranny and absolute power, like what may occur in a dictatorship — or possibly within a household if one person is a little too bossy.

If you’ve ever been around someone who tends to domineer, it won’t surprise you to learn that the word domineer can be traced all the way back to the Latin word dominus, meaning “lord, master.” It can certainly seem like a person with an impulse to domineer acts like your lord and master. The word also has an adjective form, domineering, which is used to describe those with a tendency to domineer.

Definitions of domineer

1. verb

   rule or exercise power over (somebody) in a cruel and autocratic manner
   synonyms: tyrannise, tyrannize

   type of:

   ballyrag, boss around, browbeat, bully, bullyrag, hector, push around, strong-arm

   be bossy towards