goon squad
Thugs for hire
A goon squad is a group of thugs or enforcers who use intimidation and violence on someone's behalf.
The term originated with strikebreakers hired to harass union organizers: Management sent in the goon squad to break up the picket line.
It now applies to any group deployed for heavy-handed tactics, whether corporate security, political operatives, or police units accused of brutality.
Violent criminals
- heaviesMenacing tough guys
- henchmenLoyal subordinates to wrongdoers
- muscleContractile body tissue
- hired gunsCombatants paid to fight
strongmen · bruisers · toughs · legbreakers · hitmen · mercenaries · bodyguards · bouncers
Workers replacing union laborers
- scabsDried wound coverings
- union bustingDisrupting worker organizing efforts
- picket lineProtesting workers' boundary
- PinkertonsFamous private detective agency
Declarations of intended harm
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- menaceSource of potential harm
- strong-armingPressuring through threats
- bullyingAggressive repeated intimidation
harassment · terrorizing · shakedowns · pressure · fearmongering · scare tactics · extortion · blackmail
Unofficial armed organization
- secret policeClandestine state security apparatus
- brownshirtsFascist paramilitary enforcers
- blackshirtsFascist paramilitary members
- shock troopsElite offensive combat unit
political violence · disappearances · crackdown · state terror · authoritarian · junta · purges · repression
Disorderly, aggressive crowd
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
- gangOrganized criminal group
- cartelPrice-fixing coalition
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
organized crime · racket · crime family · outfit · crew · underworld · loan sharks · bootleggers
thugs
Violent criminals
hired guns · strongmen · bruisers · toughs · legbreakers · hitmen · mercenaries · bodyguards · bouncers · mobsters
strikebreakers
Workers replacing union laborers
- scabsDried wound coverings
- union bustingDisrupting worker organizing efforts
- picket lineProtesting workers' boundary
threats
Declarations of intended harm
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- menaceSource of potential harm
- strong-armingPressuring through threats
bullying · harassment · terrorizing · shakedowns · pressure · fearmongering · scare tactics · extortion · blackmail · protection racket
paramilitary
Unofficial armed organization
- secret policeClandestine state security apparatus
- brownshirtsFascist paramilitary enforcers
- blackshirtsFascist paramilitary members
shock troops · political violence · disappearances · crackdown · state terror · authoritarian · junta · purges · repression
mob
Disorderly, aggressive crowd
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
- gangOrganized criminal group
- cartelPrice-fixing coalition
mafia · organized crime · racket · crime family · outfit · crew · underworld · loan sharks · bootleggers · smugglers
- SquadsSWAT team
- prison staffprison guard, correctional officer, corrections officer, guard, warden
- strikebreakingscab, blackleg, replacement worker, fink, rat
goon squadlawful authority
Power granted by law
civil authority · due process · rule of law · judicial system · oversight committee
goon squadpeacekeepers
Forces maintaining cease-fires
guardian angels · protectors · rescue team · protection detail · defenders
goon squadpeace corps
Civilian overseas service program
diplomatic corps · negotiators · pacifists · arbitrators · peacemakers