strong-arm
using, involving, or threatening the use of physical force or violence to gain an objective: strong-arm methods.
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.
Origin of strong-arm
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use strong-arm in a sentence
Strong arms to hit the ball and a strong core for positioning.
Short was the time required for their strong arms to pull him and his burden in-board; and, oh!
The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands | R.M. BallantyneTwo rowboats were hastily started out from the beach, and, impelled by strong arms, surged toward the canoe.
The Rival Campers | Ruel Perley SmithShe glanced downwards with averted head, awaiting some outcry of gladness, surrendering herself to the quick clasp of strong arms.
Jaffery | William J. LockeShe tried the door, and, finding it bolted, shook the handle with all the force of her strong arms.
Country Neighbors | Alice Brown
She had her sleeves rolled up over her strong arms, and was quietly making bread.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Volume XXI | Robert Louis Stevenson
British Dictionary definitions for strong-arm
/ informal /
(modifier) relating to or involving physical force or violence: strong-arm tactics
(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
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