strong-arm meaning

UK US

strong-arm (verb): handle roughly.

strong-arm has 4 meanings in this dictionary, as verb and adjective.

strong-arm as a verb

  1. handle roughly
    • He was strong-armed by the policemen

    Type of: treat

    Related forms: strong-armer

  2. be bossy towards
    • Her big brother always bullied her when she was young

    Synonyms: bully, browbeat, bullyrag, ballyrag, boss around, hector, push around

    Type of: intimidate

    Kinds: tyrannize

  3. use physical force against
    • They strong-armed me when I left the restaurant

    Type of: beat

    Related forms: strong-armer

strong-arm as an adjective

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

    Synonyms: forcible, physical

    Similar: forceful

More about strong-arm on Wikipedia.