strongman

Thân thiện

A strongman lifts a heavy barbell at the county fair.

Definition

Noun: 1. A political leader who rules through force and intimidation: A "strongman" is an authoritarian leader, often in a government or organization, who maintains power primarily through coercion, fear, or military strength rather than democratic processes or consensus. 2. A performer who demonstrates great physical strength: A "strongman" is also an entertainer, typically at a circus, fair, or in competitive sports, who performs impressive feats of physical power, such as lifting heavy objects.

Usage Examples

• Political Leader:
  • The country was ruled by a military strongman for decades.
  • Critics accused the president of acting like a strongman, suppressing dissent and ignoring the constitution.
• Physical Performer:
  • The strongman at the carnival lifted a car over his head.
  • Modern strongman competitions involve events like truck pulls and log lifts.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used metaphorically to describe any person in a position of authority who uses domineering, uncompromising, or bullying tactics to get their way, even outside of formal politics.
  • He was the strongman of the boardroom, making all the major decisions alone.

Variants and Related Words

• Strongman (adjective used attributively): Can be used to describe a style or method of rule.
  • The regime was characterized by strongman tactics.

Synonyms

• For the political meaning: Autocrat, dictator, tyrant, despot, authoritarian.
• For the performer meaning: Strongman (as a specific title), strength athlete, powerhouse.

Related Idioms

• Strongman rule / Strongman politics: Refers specifically to a system or style of governance dominated by a single, forceful leader.
  • The region has a long history of strongman rule.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a powerful political figure who rules by the exercise of force or violence
   • he is determined to bring down the Iraqi strongman
2. a man who performs feats of strength at a fair or circus