Definition

1. Noun:

   • Animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells: "Muscle" refers to the fibrous tissue in the body that has the ability to contract, producing movement or force.
   • A specific contractile organ of the body: It can also refer to a distinct organ made of this tissue, such as the biceps or heart muscle.
   • Muscular strength; physical power: Used to denote strength or brawn.
   • Authority, power, or coercive force: Refers to influence or power, especially when used in a forceful or intimidating way.
   • A bully or thug employed for protection or intimidation: (Slang) A person who uses or threatens violence on behalf of another.

2. Verb:

   • To make one's way by using physical force or sheer determination: To force a path or gain entry through strength or aggressive effort.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Biological Tissue/Organ):
  • He pulled a muscle in his leg while running.
  • The heart is a vital muscle.
• Noun (Physical Strength):
  • It takes a lot of muscle to lift that weight.
• Noun (Power/Influence):
  • The union used its political muscle to block the legislation.
• Noun (Thug):
  • The gang leader was always surrounded by his muscle.
• Verb:
  • She muscled through the crowded room to reach the stage.
  • The new company is trying to muscle into the established market.

Advanced Usage

• "To not move a muscle": To remain completely still.
  • The soldier didn't move a muscle during the inspection.
• "To flex one's muscles": To show off one's strength or power, either physically or figuratively.
  • The company is flexing its financial muscles with this new acquisition.

Variants and Related Words

• Muscular (adj): Relating to or having well-developed muscles; strong.
  • He has a muscular build.
• Muscleman (n): A man with highly developed muscles; (slang) a thug or bodyguard.
  • The actor trained to become a muscleman for the role.
• Muscle-bound (adj): Having muscles so overdeveloped as to look stiff or to impair movement.
  • The old-fashioned bodybuilder looked somewhat muscle-bound.

Synonyms

• Brawn: Physical strength, especially of muscles.
• Might: Great and impressive power or strength.
• Clout: (Informal) Influence or power, especially in politics or business.
• Thug: A violent person, especially a criminal.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Muscle in (on something): To force your way into a situation or activity to get an advantage, often unfairly.
  • Larger corporations are trying to muscle in on the small local market.
• Muscle out: To force someone out of a position or activity using strength or power.
  • The aggressive competitor muscled out several smaller businesses.

Related Idioms

• To pull a muscle: To strain or injure a muscle by overstretching or overusing it.
  • I can't play tennis today; I pulled a muscle in my shoulder.
• A man/woman of muscle: A physically strong person.
  • We need a man of muscle to help us move this piano.

Noun

1. possessing muscular strength
2. authority or power or force (especially when used in a coercive way)
   • the senators used their muscle to get the party leader to resign
3. a bully employed as a thug or bodyguard
   • the drug lord had his muscleman to protect him
4. animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
5. one of the contractile organs of the body

Verb

1. make one's way by force
   • He muscled his way into the office