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jackbooted

American  
[jak-boo-tid] / ˈdʒækˌbu tɪd /

adjective

  1. wearing jackboots.

  2. brutally and oppressively bullying.

    a jackbooted militarism.


Etymology

Origin of jackbooted

First recorded in 1840–50; jackboot + -ed 3

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Komasa knows authoritarianism in its most flagrant, brutal forms, but his new film “Anniversary” imagines a scenario in which fascism doesn’t stomp in, jackbooted, but creeps, pretty and ladylike, on kitten-heeled feet.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

“Dingell actually said the quote,” LaPierre said; Dingell had referred to A.T.F. agents as “a jackbooted group of fascists” in a 1981 N.R.A. promotional film.

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2019

There is a publicity photo of the Cinna the Poet scene, with Joseph Cotten appearing as one of the jackbooted thugs; Cotten had playfully signed it, “To my greatest admirer, Norman Lloyd.”

From The New Yorker • Dec. 4, 2015

What’s more, Radar does not dispatch a V for Vendetta fantasy of jackbooted thugs to people’s doors after it uncovers a worrisome tweet.

From Slate • Nov. 4, 2014

Then four jackbooted, riot-helmeted dropcops jumped out and ran into the building, followed by a guy in a suit.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

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