SINCE 1828

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arm-twisting

noun arm-twist·ing \ -ˌtwis-tiŋ \

Definition of arm-twisting

:the use of direct personal pressure in order to achieve a desired end

for all the arm-twisting, the … vote on the measure was unexpectedly tight
—Newsweek

—

arm-twist

play \-ˌtwist\ verb

See arm-twisting defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of arm-twisting

1924

arm-twisting Synonyms

Synonyms

arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, duress, pressure

Related Words

browbeating, bulldozing, bullying; fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence; squeeze, squeeze play; might, muscle, potency, puissance, strength; hardheadedness, self-will, willfulness; strain, stress

Near Antonyms

agreement, approval, consent, permission; convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion

ARM-TWISTING Defined for English Language Learners

arm-twisting

noun

Definition of arm-twisting for English Language Learners

: the act of using pressure to make people do things that they do not want to do

Learn More about arm-twisting

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for arm-twisting

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