godan verb (-ru), transitive verb, intransitive verb
hesitate; have scruples; be afraid of what others may think
Used when someone holds back from doing something out of fear of criticism, social pressure, or moral qualms. Often appears in negative forms like はばからず or はばからない.
彼は上司の前で反論するのをはばかった。
He hesitated to argue back in front of his boss.
彼女は誰にはばかることなく自分の意見を言う。
She speaks her mind without worrying about what others think.
godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb
lord it over; have great influence; throw one's weight around
Describes a person who acts arrogantly or dominates others, often because of their power or status. Frequently used in the set phrase 幅を利かせる (はばをきかせる) with a similar meaning, but はばかる itself can carry this sense independently.
あの政治家は地元ではばかっている。
That politician lords it over the local area.
彼は会社で幅を利かせてはばかっている。
He throws his weight around at the company.