横暴(おうぼう)

横暴(おうぼう) describes the abuse of power or authority, characterized by unreasonable, arbitrary, or oppressive behavior.

Writing

• 横(おう) (sideways; unreasonable, arbitrary)
• 暴(ぼう) (violence, tyranny)

Common patterns

• Used as noun: 横暴(おうぼう)を働(はたら)く (to act tyrannically)
• Used as na-adjective: 横暴(おうぼう)な態度(たいど) (tyrannical attitude)
• 横暴(おうぼう)な人(ひと) (tyrannical person)
• 横暴(おうぼう)を許(ゆる)さない (to not tolerate tyranny)
• 横暴(おうぼう)に振(ふ)る舞(ま)う (to behave tyrannically)

Usage

• Workplace: describing abusive bosses or management
• Politics: criticizing authoritarian actions
• Personal relationships: describing controlling behavior
• Historical: describing despots or tyrants

Related words

• 専横(せんおう) (despotism, arrogance)
• 暴君(ぼうくん) (tyrant)
• 独裁(どくさい) (dictatorship)
• 高圧的(こうあつてき) (high-handed, overbearing)