strongmen
Autocrats with power
Strongmen is the plural of strongman.
In its literal sense, strongmen are performers who demonstrate feats of physical strength—lifting heavy objects, bending metal bars, breaking chains.
The term also describes authoritarian political leaders who consolidate power through force of personality and suppression of opposition: The twentieth century produced no shortage of strongmen.
The athletic and political meanings share connotations of dominance and intimidation.
Rulers with total control
- tyrantsOppressive absolute rulers
- despotsOppressive absolute rulers
- autocratsRulers with unchecked power
- oligarchsWealthy few who govern
regime · suppression · censorship · propaganda · coercion · oppression · junta · kleptocracy
Power to enforce obedience
- controlAuthority to direct
- supremacyHighest rank or power
- hegemonyDominant group's control
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
influence · clout · mastery · domination · power · grip · intimidation · subjugation
One who entertains audiences
- featsNotable acts of skill
- bendingCurving from straight
- chainsLinked metal restraints
- breakingComing apart suddenly
carnival · sideshow · vaudeville · spectacle · showman
Contractile body tissue
- gripSecure manual hold
- deadliftGround-to-hip barbell raise
- squatCrouching on bent legs
- benchShared seating surface
barbell · kettlebell · chalk · plates · straps · sleeves · belt · hypertrophy
Sustained effort capacity
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
stamina · toughness · determination · willpower · mettle · resolve · recovery · discipline
dictators
Rulers with total control
- tyrantsOppressive absolute rulers
- despotsOppressive absolute rulers
- autocratsRulers with unchecked power
oligarchs · regime · suppression · censorship · propaganda · coercion · oppression · junta · kleptocracy · nepotism
authority
Power to enforce obedience
command · influence · clout · mastery · domination · power · grip · intimidation · subjugation · rule
performer
One who entertains audiences
breaking · carnival · sideshow · vaudeville · spectacle · showman
muscles
Contractile body tissue
bench · barbell · kettlebell · chalk · plates · straps · sleeves · belt · hypertrophy · bulk
endurance
Sustained effort capacity
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
tenacity · stamina · toughness · determination · willpower · mettle · resolve · recovery · discipline · drive
medley
Varied mixture or blend
- circuscircus, big top, clown, clowns, ringmaster
- carnivalparade, costume, float, ferris wheel, roller coaster
- dictatorsdictator, tyrant, despot, autocrat, Stalin
- oppressorstyrants, despots, dictators, autocrats, authoritarians
- superhumanssuperhumans, metahumans, superheroes, supervillains, mutants
- thugsthugs, goons, heavies, toughs, brutes
strongmendemocrats
Believers in popular sovereignty
constitutionalists · parliamentarians · reformers · elected officials · pluralists
strongmenweaklings
Physically or mentally feeble people
invalids · couch potatoes · lightweights · waifs · ectomorphs
- strongman gameFairground strength-testing attraction
- strongman politicsRule through personal dominance