strongman

Or strong man

[strawng-man, strong-]

noun

plural

strongmen 

1. a person who performs remarkable feats of strength, as in a circus.

2. a political leader who controls by force; dictator.

3. the most powerful or influential person in an organization or business, by reason of skill in the formulation and execution of plans, work, etc.

strongman

/ ˈstrɒŋˌmæn /

noun

1. a performer, esp one in a circus, who performs feats of strength

2. any person regarded as a source of power, capability, initiative, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of strongman¹

First recorded in 1855–60; strong + man

Example Sentences

Libertarians like Paul have consistently embraced the concept of private tyranny, where one’s employer is entitled to rule as a strongman, but this is not even that.

From Salon

Orbán is a strongman, but he’s much more sophisticated in how he applies his dictatorial powers.

From Salon

Among the first moves in the strongman’s playbook is to take control of the media, starting with censoring news outlets and humorists.

From Salon

Economic insecurity breeds malleability, and an increased willingness to seek out the protection of a strongman.

From Salon

But it has refused to do so, largely because Russia is an "all-weather" ally and giving into pressure doesn't suit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strongman image.

From BBC

Related Words

• autocrat 
• despot 
• tyrant