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strong-arm

American  
[strawng-ahrm, strong-] / ˈstrɔŋˌɑrm, ˈstrɒŋ- /

adjective

  1. using, involving, or threatening the use of physical force or violence to gain an objective.

    strong-arm methods.

verb (used with object)

  1. to use violent methods upon; assault.

  2. to rob by force.

  3. to coerce by threats or intimidation; bully.

    They strong-armed me into voting for the plan.
strong-arm British  

noun

  1. (modifier) relating to or involving physical force or violence

    strong-arm tactics
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to show violence towards

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of strong-arm

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.