strong-arm

[ strawng-ahrm, strong- ]

/ ˈstrɔŋˌɑrm, ˈstrɒŋ- /

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See synonyms for strong-arm on Thesaurus.com

adjective

using, involving, or threatening the use of physical force or violence to gain an objective: strong-arm methods.

verb (used with object)

to use violent methods upon; assault.

to rob by force.

to coerce by threats or intimidation; bully: They strong-armed me into voting for the plan.

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Origin of strong-arm

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Words nearby strong-arm

Stromboli, Strombolian, stromuhr, strong, strong accumulation point, strong-arm, strongbark, strongbox, strong breeze, strong derived set, strong drink

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use strong-arm in a sentence

Despite the strong language, however, the neither the JPO nor Lockheed could dispute a single fact in either Daily Beast report.
Pentagon Misfires in Stealth Jet Scandal|Dave Majumdar|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
At St. Barnabas Hospital, Pellerano was listed in stable condition with wounds to his chest and arm.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The big slug happened to hit the suspect in the street, passing through his arm and then striking Police Officer Andrew Dossi.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Dossi initially was listed in critical condition with wounds to his arm and lower back.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

She fills her characters up—strong women beating back against a sexist system—with so much heart.
Oscars 2015: The Daily Beast’s Picks, From Scarlett Johansson to ‘Boyhood’|Marlow Stern|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
She skilfully manages the side-lights, and by this means produces strong effects.
Women in the fine arts, from the Seventh Century B.C. to the Twentieth Century A.D.|Clara Erskine Clement
She was holding the back of her chair with one hand; her loose sleeve had slipped almost to the shoulder of her uplifted arm.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
In Spain he was regarded as the right arm of the ultra-clericals and a possible supporter of Carlism.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
The garrison of the town and fortress was nearly three thousand strong.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
The well-known "cock and bull" stories of small children are inspired by this love of strong effect.
Children's Ways|James Sully

British Dictionary definitions for strong-arm

strong-arm

/ informal /

noun

(modifier) relating to or involving physical force or violencestrong-arm tactics

verb

(tr) to show violence towards

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

strong-arm

Origin of strong-arm

Words nearby strong-arm

Words related to strong-arm

How to use strong-arm in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for strong-arm