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

“And that is the difference,” she continued, “between a strongman and an authoritarian, and a leader of a democracy.”

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The strongman’s regime has cranked up its propaganda machine.

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The authorization enables the CIA to operate clandestinely in the country and potentially take action against Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, his government and drug traffickers, according to an administration official.

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The show of force has increased pressure on Venezuela’s strongman Nicolás Maduro, who is preparing his forces to respond to a potential U.S. attack.

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Her commitment to nonviolent change dates to the days of antidemocratic strongman Hugo Chávez.

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Related Words

• autocrat 
• despot 
• tyrant