Meaning & use
strong-arm
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Meanings
adjectivebefore a noun
Using physical force or threats to make someone do something, instead of persuading them.
Grammar: Used before a noun, as in 'strong-arm tactics' or 'strong-arm methods'.
Patterns
- strong-arm tactics
- strong-arm methods
- strong-arm approach
The company was accused of using strong-arm tactics to stop workers from joining a union.
The government's strong-arm approach to protests drew international criticism.
He was known for his strong-arm style of management, which frightened his employees.
verbtransitive
To force someone to do something by using threats or violence.
Grammar: Takes an object: strong-arm someone into doing something.
Patterns
- strong-arm someone into doing something
- strong-arm someone into something
The gang tried to strong-arm local shop owners into paying protection money.
She claimed she had been strong-armed into signing the contract.
Word forms
| third person singular | strong-arms |
|---|---|
| past tense | strong-armed |
| past participle | strong-armed |
| -ing form | strong-arming |
Common combinations
- strong-arm tactics
- The union accused the employer of using strong-arm tactics during negotiations.
- strong-arm methods
- Their strong-arm methods eventually led to a lawsuit.
- strong-arm someone into
- He was strong-armed into agreeing to the deal.
- strong-arm approach
- The police took a strong-arm approach to the demonstration.
Synonyms and how they differ
- coercive
- More formal and often used in legal or official contexts; it focuses on the use of threats or pressure rather than physical force.
- bullying
- Emphasizes intimidating behavior, often in personal or school settings, while strong-arm is more about using force or threats to get something done.
- heavy-handed
- Suggests excessive force or lack of subtlety, but not necessarily the intent to force someone to do something specific.
Opposites
Word family
- strong-arm verb
- To coerce someone by force or threats.
Practice
The manager tried to ______ his employees into working overtime without pay.
Choose one answer.
The sentence needs the base form of the verb after 'to': 'tried to strong-arm'. 'Strong-arming' would be used after a preposition or as a gerund, 'strong-armed' is past tense, and 'strong-arms' is third person singular; none fit after 'to'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “strong-arm”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.