PoliticsJuly 16, 2026
strongman
/ˈstrɔːŋmæn/
Definition
A political leader, typically an authoritarian, who rules through force, coercion, or the centralization of power rather than through democratic consensus.
Etymology
The term is a compound of the Germanic 'strong' and 'man.' It originally referred to a performer of feats of strength before evolving in the 20th century to describe dictators who exercise absolute control over a state.
In the news
The article notes that Donald Trump has expressed admiration for strongman leaders, raising concerns among critics that he may be adopting their tactics to consolidate power and subvert democratic processes.
Trump’s address is likely to cast new cloud over midterm elections
Read the full article ↗CNN