heavy-handed

adjective

heavy-hand·​ed ˈhe-vē-ˈhan-dəd 

1

: clumsy

2

: oppressive, harsh

heavy-handedly adverb

heavy-handedness noun

Synonyms

• austere
• authoritarian
• flinty
• hard
• harsh
• ramrod
• rigid
• rigorous
• severe
• stern
• strict
• tough

Examples of heavy-handed in a Sentence

the new manager's heavy-handed approach soon had employees turning in their letters of resignation

felt heavy-handed and awkward when holding the newborn infant

Recent Examples on the Web

Traditionally, linemen are sent to cut down anything and everything near power lines to reduce the chance of power interruption due to falling trees or limbs, a heavy-handed approach that leaves ugly scars in roadside forests and neighborhood greens. —Sebastian Weber, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

But content moderation is a risky and unpleasant realm for tech companies, which are frequently criticized for being too heavy-handed. —Joan Donovan, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024

De Moraes has been criticized for his heavy-handed tactics. —Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 4 Sep. 2024

The heavy-handed response of the police also further united demonstrators. —Innocent Eteng, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

heavy-handed

adjective

heavy-hand·​ed

ˌhev-ē-ˈhan-dəd

1

: clumsy sense 1

2

: severe or harsh in dealing with others