iron fist

[ahy-ern fist]

noun

1. authority or power wielded in a cruel, dictatorial, or repressive way.

   The lecture described the torments that befell many artists under the iron fist of Stalin.

   This tyrant ruled the country with an iron fist until he was finally deposed and executed.

Other Word Forms

• iron-fisted adjective
• ironfisted adjective

Example Sentences

“The Rada’a force is determined to enforce order and uproot gangs and militias, and will strike with an iron fist anyone who tampers with the security of the home front,” the group said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He has ruled with an iron fist, repressing all political and armed opposition, and holding onto power through social upheaval, economic disparity and separatist violence.

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Ruled with an iron fist by President Paul Biya for 43 years, Cameroon is central Africa's most diversified economy.

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Cameroon's second president since independence from France in 1960, Biya has ruled with an iron fist, personally appointing and dismissing key officials and ruthlessly repressing all political and armed opposition.

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It is unlikely that Venkatesham will rule Spurs with an iron fist.

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