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

Use strong-arm tactics, such as the confiscation of old ballots, to intimidate officials and possibly serve as a dress rehearsal for federal muscle-flexing in future elections. — James Robenalt, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026

In San Diego, the city took a more strong-arm approach by upping the penalty for violating daylighting to $117 from $77, according to the CBS affiliate KFMB. — Sacbee.com, 22 July 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