chivvy

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Verb 1.1.1 Translations 1.2 Noun

[edit] English

[edit] Verb

to chivvy (third-person singular simple present chivvies, present participle chivvying, simple past and past participle chivvied)

Chiefly British.

1. To subject to harassment or verbal abuse.
   • For 11 years now he has only one approach - to lead from the front and then to confront, challenge, and chivvy the Labour Party into backing him. (www.bbc.co.uk)
2. To coerce, as by persistent request.
   • We don't have time to respond to emails or any attempts to chivvy us up - sorry. (ibid.)
3. To sneak up on or rapidly approach.
   • I chivvy up behind him, flashing my lights. (ibid.)
4. To pursue as in a hunt.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

chivvy (plural chivvies)

1. A goad.
   • (referring to passenger feedback website) It's just there to act as a chivvy to London Underground. (ibid.)