henpecked

[hen-pekt] / ˈhɛnˌpɛkt /

ADJECTIVE

dominated by one's wife

Synonyms

WEAK

acquiescent browbeaten compliant constrained docile dominated in fear of one's wife intimidated led by the nose meek nagged obedient passive resigned subjected to nagging submissive timid unassertive under one's thumb unresisting wife-ridden yielding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He went on to star in the spin-off George and Mildred, in which Murphy played a henpecked George Roper opposite fellow Theatre Workshop actress Yootha Joyce as his wife.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2025

Spryly hilarious, Kelly lends the henpecked husband’s subversive streak a bumbling gentleness.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

“His shoulder-rolling caricature of this suave, foppish and thoroughly henpecked kingpin is the film’s biggest treat,” wrote New York Times movie critic Janet Maslin.

From Washington Post • Nov. 9, 2021

Flinching at every flap of his wife’s lacerating tongue, he’s a near caricature of the henpecked husband, and Mr. Shannon plays him with the air of a slightly vexed manservant.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2015

“That ever I should live to see you a henpecked husband and enjoying it!” cried Jo, with uplifted hands.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott