overbearing

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   trying to control other people in an arrogant, forceful, and unpleasant way; domineering

   The director's overbearing manner discouraged anyone from questioning his decisions.

2. 2
   adj

   so strong, intense, or dominant that it overwhelms or intrudes

   The perfume became overbearing in the small, crowded room.

Formed from overbear ('to overwhelm or dominate') + -ing. The participial adjective became lexicalized, with the common character sense extending the image of bearing down on someone to imposing one's will arrogantly.

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