strong-arm
/ˈstrɒŋ ɑːm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstrɔːŋ ɑːrm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstrȯŋ-ˈärm/ (ame, mw) · /ˈstrɒŋ.ɑːm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstrɑːŋ.ɑːrm/ (ame, ipa)
strong-arm — adjective
1. describes behaviour or methods that rely on physical force, threats, or intimida
describes behaviour or methods that rely on physical force, threats, or intimidation rather than persuasion, negotiation, or legal process — for example, sending armed guards to remove tenants, or using threats to silence opposition.
The landlord hired a strong-arm squad to force the Ortega family out of their apartment.
collocation: strong-arm squad
Strong-arm tactics against striking workers drew sharp criticism from members of Parliament.
collocation: strong-arm tactics
Mei-Lin refused to work in an office where strong-arm behaviour towards junior staff was tolerated.
The journalist continued her investigation despite the strong-arm methods used to intimidate her sources.
- coercive
more neutral and formal; 'coercive measures' is common in legal/political contexts
- heavy-handed
less organised; suggests clumsy or excessive force rather than systematic intimidation
- bullying
focuses on the personal, repeated nature of the intimidation, often in schools or workplaces
- gentle
implies kindness and mildness, the opposite of using force
- diplomatic
favours negotiation and tact rather than threats
文法句型
strong-arm + noun (tactics / methods / squad)
用法筆記
Almost always used attributively (before a noun). Common noun partners include 'tactics', 'methods', 'behaviour', 'approach', 'squad', and 'team'.
常見錯誤
strong-arm — verb
- strong-armpresent simple I / you / we / they
- strong-arms3rd person singular
- strong-arming-ing form
- strong-armedpast simple
1. to force a person or group to do something by using or threatening physical viol
to force a person or group to do something by using or threatening physical violence, or by applying extreme pressure — for example, threatening a shopkeeper to make them pay protection money, or pressuring a witness to change their story.
Theo's uncle tried to strong-arm him into joining the family business instead of studying music.
pattern: strong-arm someone into doing something
Local shopkeepers were strong-armed into paying protection money to the gang every month.
passive: be strong-armed into
No one could strong-arm Amara into changing her testimony before the trial.
The construction company strong-armed the neighbourhood committee into approving their building plans.
Kwame felt that his colleagues were trying to strong-arm him into backing a decision he disagreed with.
- coerce
more formal; can involve non-physical pressure such as financial or legal threats
- intimidate
focuses on inspiring fear rather than directly forcing action
- bully
suggests repeated, personal harassment rather than a single act of force
- pressure
milder; implies persistent urging without violence or threats
文法句型
strong-arm + someone + into + doing something
be strong-armed + into + doing something
用法筆記
Most often appears in the construction 'strong-arm someone into (doing) something'. The objective is usually a person or group; the outcome (after 'into') is typically an action the target does not want to perform. Frequently used in passive voice.