strong-arm

1 of 2

adjective

ˈstrȯŋ-ˈärm 

: having or using undue force

strong-arm

2 of 2

verb

strong-armed; strong-arming; strong-arms

transitive verb

1

a

: to use force on : assault

b

: bully, intimidate

2

: to rob by force

Synonyms of strong-arm

Verb

• intimidate
• bully
• coerce

Examples of strong-arm in a Sentence

Verb

developers trying to strong-arm homeowners into selling their houses at below-market prices

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But they are mentioned without context, in a way that underlines the Smithsonian’s touchy relationship with an administration that has not hesitated to strong-arm the institution. —Kelsey Ables, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026

Soon after, police received a report of a strong-arm robbery on the 1300 block of 7th Avenue. —Tim Fang, CBS News, 1 May 2026

Verb

And if two media companies were strong-armed out of the deal, were their First Amendment rights violated? —Robertas Bakula, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2026

Four suspects were arrested in San Francisco last week after a strong-arm robbery and several auto burglaries, police said Monday. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1897, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for strong-arm

• alarm
• disarm
• forearm
• gendarme
• nonfarm
• rearm
• arm
• charm
• farm
• harm
• firearm
• underarm