Chivvy

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈtʃɪv.i/

Origin

Full definition of chivvy

Verb

1. To subject to harassment or verbal abuse.
• 2005, 10 November, Nick Robinson, Robinson's view: Blair's defeat, 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.
2. To coerce, as by persistent request.
• 2007, 24 April, The Albert Sessions, We don't have time to respond to emails or any attempts to chivvy us up - sorry.
3. To sneak up on or rapidly approach.
4. To pursue as in a hunt.to chivvy the fox

Derived terms

• chivvier

Noun

1. A goad.
• 2003, 23 September, Web payback for delayed commuters, It's just there to act as a chivvy to London Underground.