ETYM Old Eng. baschen, baissen. Related to Abash.
To abash; to disconcert or be disconcerted or put out of countenance.

To rate or chide vehemently; to scold.

Synonyms see intimidate.
(Irregular preterit, past participle: browbeat, browbeaten).
1. To discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner; intimidate; SYN. bully, swagger. brow-beat.
2. To intimidate or disconcert by a stern manner or arrogant speech; bully.

1. To punish; to chastise by blows; to chasten.
2. To chastise verbally; to reprove; to criticise severely.
3. To emend; to correct.
4. Punish; reprove; criticize severely.

Censure severely; strip the hide off of; remove skin from; flay; criticize savagely.

To treat badly; SYN. maltreat, abuse, ill-use, ill-treat.