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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of strong-arm

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Words nearby strong-arm

stromatolite, Stromboli, Strombolian, 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. 2023

How to use strong-arm in a sentence

While these strong-arm tactics have been criticized by some, the governor enjoys strong support from the local population.
The Town Determined to Stop Putin|Vijai Maheshwari|June 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Jamie Dettmer recalls long lunches with the Iron Lady at the Savoy Hotel—the whisky, the flirting, and the strong-arm tactics.
The Margaret Thatcher I Knew|Jamie Dettmer|April 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
So why does the GOP think it can strong-arm the president into compromising on entitlements without first giving in on taxes?
Michael Tomasky on How Obama Shouldn’t Back Down Vs. the GOP|Michael Tomasky|November 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The government has overcharged in this case,” he said, “to strong-arm a plea from my client.
Bradley Manning Awaits Army’s Decision on Whether to Court-Martial Him|Denver Nicks|December 22, 2011|DAILY BEAST

But author Rula Jebreal says the strong-arm tactics cannot thwart a people committed to his ouster.
Assad's Move Against Facebook|Rula Jebreal|November 7, 2011|DAILY BEAST
He argued that coercion was necessary; that crime could not be put down in Ireland but by the strong arm of the law.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
Lady Margaret was her father's only heir; but she was far away, and a man with a strong arm was needed in that troubled seigneury.
God Wills It!|William Stearns Davis
When we crossed the equator, a committee of strong-arm men baptized those of the passengers who had never before crossed the line.
In Africa|John T. McCutcheon
Aubrey and the bunch are talking about making a strong-arm squad around me for protection.
My Wonderful Visit|Charlie Chaplin
Saturninus was the first of the Roman politicians to rely as a regular practice upon "strong-arm methods" to carry elections.
The Two Great Republics: Rome and the United States|James Hamilton Lewis

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