death grip

the right or means to command or control others the cult leader had such a death grip on his followers that all orders were carried out without the slightest objection Synonyms arm, authority, clutch, command, control, power, dominion, grip, hold, mastery, reign, rein(s), swayRelated Words clout, influence, leverage, pull, voice, weight; jurisdiction; direction, management; dominance, imperium, predominance, sovereignty (also sovranty), supremacy; prerogative, privilege, right; eminence, importance, momentNear Antonyms helplessness, weaknessAntonyms impotence, impotency, powerlessness