muscle
/'mʌsl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- possessing muscular strength
- authority or power or force (especially when used in a coercive way)
- the senators used their muscle to get the party leader to resign
- a bully employed as a thug or bodyguard
- the drug lord had his muscleman to protect him
- animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
- one of the contractile organs of the body
Verb
- make one's way by force
- He muscled his way into the office