Synonyms

strong-arm

American

[strawng-ahrm, strong-] / ˈstrɔŋˌɑrm, ˈstrɒŋ- /

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.

strong-arm British

noun

(modifier) relating to or involving physical force or violence

strong-arm tactics

"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

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

Etymology

Origin of strong-arm

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

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.

He can, in certain circumstances, strong-arm the world into realigning with his interests while sidestepping the tripwires that his predecessors worried would bring them down.

From Barron's

Ian Paul, a conservative theologian and a member of the General Synod, denies that this amounted to "strong-arm tactics".

From BBC

Reid isn’t worried, arguing that the new chair won’t be able to strong-arm the whole committee into rate cuts.

From Barron's

"It is a certain restriction of our freedoms," Ivanov said of the plans to strong-arm users into switching.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023