strong-arm
/'strɔɳ'ɑ:m/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Using physical force or threats, especially in a way that is unfair or illegal: Describes methods, tactics, or actions that rely on coercion, intimidation, or violence to achieve a goal.
- Verb (transitive):
- To use physical force or threats against someone to make them do something: To coerce, bully, or manhandle someone.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The company was accused of using strong-arm tactics to force small businesses to sell.
- The dictator ruled through strong-arm methods, silencing all opposition.
- Verb:
- The mobsters tried to strong-arm the shop owner into paying for "protection."
- He claimed the police strong-armed him into giving a false confession.
Advanced Usage
- The term often implies a lack of subtlety, fairness, or legality. It is frequently used in contexts involving crime, unfair business practices, or oppressive authority.
- "to strong-arm one's way into/through something": To force entry or progress using intimidation or physical power.
- The security team strong-armed their way through the crowd.
Variants and Related Words
- Strong-arming (noun): The act of using strong-arm methods.
- The strong-arming of voters was widely condemned.
Synonyms
- Adjective: Coercive, forceful, bullying, high-pressure, thuggish.
- Verb: Coerce, bully, intimidate, manhandle, pressure, browbeat.
Related Phrases
- Strong-arm robbery: A robbery committed using physical force or the immediate threat of force.
- He was convicted of strong-arm robbery after mugging a tourist.
Verb
- use physical force against
- They strong-armed me when I left the restaurant
- be bossy towards
- Her big brother always bullied her when she was young
- handle roughly
- He was strong-armed by the policemen
Adjective
- impelled by physical force especially against resistance
- forcible entry
- a real cop would get physical
- strong-arm tactics