Word of the Day: HECTOR

To browbeat or badger

hector (verb) - to bully, harass, or intimidate through forceful speech or relentless nagging [hek-ter]

• hector as a noun means a bully

BREAKDOWN: The word hector is a classic eponym, named for the warrior Hector from The Iliad by Homer. Interestingly, Hector, one of the principal defenders of Troy, was depicted as virtuous and noble rather than swaggering or domineering. The word picked up its negative connotations in 17th century London when street gangs known as Hectors bullied and terrorized the public.

“Good leadership means leading the way, not hectoring other people to do things your way. Bullying, bickering and competing for dominance are, even in a low-risk situation, excellent ways to destroy morale and diminish productivity.” —Chris Hadfield

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not necessarily derived from classical roots.]