Meaning & use
strong-arm
Using force, threats, or intimidation rather than persuasion to make someone do something.
See it in a sentence
The union accused management of using strong-arm tactics to discourage the vote.
Critics said the strong arm of the law was used unfairly against peaceful protesters.
A note on using this word
Strong-arm can also work as a verb, as in 'to strong-arm someone into signing'; 'the strong arm of the law' means police or legal power.
Words with a similar meaning
forcefulcoercive
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. verb
To coerce someone into doing something through force, threats, or intimidation.
The gang tried to strong-arm the shop owner into paying for protection.
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