Definition

1. 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.
2. 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

1. use physical force against
   • They strong-armed me when I left the restaurant
2. be bossy towards
   • Her big brother always bullied her when she was young
3. handle roughly
   • He was strong-armed by the policemen

Adjective

1. impelled by physical force especially against resistance
   • forcible entry
   • a real cop would get physical
   • strong-arm tactics