strong-arm
Americanadjective
verb (used with object)
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to use violent methods upon; assault.
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to rob by force.
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to coerce by threats or intimidation; bully.
They strong-armed me into voting for the plan.
noun
verb
Etymology
Origin of strong-arm
An Americanism dating back to 1820–30
Explanation
To strong-arm someone is to force them to do something. When you strong-arm your sister into getting out of your bedroom, you physically push her out the door. Bullies strong-arm smaller kids into handing over their lunch money, and powerful countries strong-arm weaker ones into cooperating with treaties and alliances. In the second example, a figurative kind of strong-arming is going on; there is no physical action, just the implied threat of negative consequences. You can also use this word as an adjective: "Your strong-arm tactics don't scare me!"
Vocabulary lists containing strong-arm
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.
During the early part of Stafford’s career with the Detroit Lions, the franchise that selected him first in the 2009 draft, Stafford was known for having an exceptionally strong arm.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026
Maye has a strong arm and loves to fling it downfield, but he also possesses a veteran’s sturdy toughness.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025
Cadet gets to be in the spotlight to show off his strong arm.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 1, 2025
He’s a winner who brings plenty of intangibles along with a strong arm.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 5, 2024
The first challenge required a strong arm, he’d been told, though if the pain in his shoulder was any indication, his arm hadn’t exactly been up to it.
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
