strong-arm

[ strawng-ahrm, strong- ]
See synonyms for strong-arm on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. using, involving, or threatening the use of physical force or violence to gain an objective: strong-arm methods.

verb (used with object)
  1. to use violent methods upon; assault.

  2. to rob by force.

  1. to coerce by threats or intimidation; bully: They strong-armed me into voting for the plan.

Origin of strong-arm

1
An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Dictionary.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!

  • Two rowboats were hastily started out from the beach, and, impelled by strong arms, surged toward the canoe.

    The Rival Campers | Ruel Perley Smith
  • She glanced downwards with averted head, awaiting some outcry of gladness, surrendering herself to the quick clasp of strong arms.

    Jaffery | William J. Locke
  • She tried the door, and, finding it bolted, shook the handle with all the force of her strong arms.

    Country Neighbors | Alice Brown

British Dictionary definitions for strong-arm

strong-arm

/ informal /


noun
  1. (modifier) relating to or involving physical force or violence: strong-arm tactics

verb
  1. (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