Definition

Noun: 1. A person of immense physical strength: A term used to describe a man who is exceptionally large, strong, and powerfully built. 2. (Biblical Figure): In the Old Testament, an Israelite judge granted extraordinary strength by God. His strength was lost when his hair, the source of his power, was cut by Delilah, who betrayed him to the Philistines.

Examples of Usage

• As a descriptor for a strong person:
  • The new linebacker is a real samson; he can lift twice his own weight.
  • He moved the heavy sofa by himself, like a modern-day samson.
• Referring to the biblical character:
  • The story of Samson and Delilah is a classic tale of strength, betrayal, and downfall.
  • In the biblical narrative, Samson used the jawbone of a donkey to defeat a thousand men.

Advanced Usage

• "A samson-like figure": Used as an adjective to describe someone or something possessing or reminiscent of the legendary strength of Samson.
  • The actor trained for months to achieve a samson-like physique for the role.
• "Samson complex": A less common, informal term referring to an excessive preoccupation with or reliance on physical strength.
  • His refusal to ask for help was part of his Samson complex.

Variants and Related Words

• Samsonite (adj): An informal, non-standard adjective meaning resembling or characteristic of Samson in strength. (Note: This is distinct from the luggage brand "Samsonite").
  • He made a samsonite effort to push the car out of the ditch.
• Sampson: An alternative, less common spelling of the name.

Synonyms

• Hercules: (From Greek mythology) A hero renowned for his superhuman strength.
• Atlas: (From Greek mythology) A Titan condemned to hold up the heavens; used to denote someone bearing a great burden.
• Behemoth: A huge and powerful creature or thing.
• Bruiser: A large, strong, tough man, often involved in fighting.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Like Samson": Behaving with or displaying great physical power.
  • He tore the phone book in half like Samson.
• "Samson's strength": Refers to a power that is both immense and potentially vulnerable if its secret source is discovered.
  • The company's dominance was its Samson's strength, reliant on a single patent that was about to expire.
• "A Delilah": (Derived from the story) Refers to a seductive betrayer, especially a woman who brings about a man's downfall.
  • He feared she would be his Delilah, charming him only to learn his secrets.

Noun

1. a large and strong and heavyset man
   • he was a bull of a man
   • a thick-skinned bruiser ready to give as good as he got
2. (Old Testament) a judge of Israel who performed herculean feats of strength against the Philistines until he was betrayed to them by his mistress Delilah