muscle
n. · v.-
1 body tissue (n.) B1 Intermediate Medicinethe parts of your body that you tighten or relax to move your arms, legs, and other parts.
contractile tissue in the body that produces movement or maintains position in parts of the body.
ExampleHe pulled a muscle in his leg while running for the bus.
ExampleThe athlete spent months in physical therapy to repair the damaged muscle after a severe tear during the championship match.
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2 physical strength (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatephysical power or a body that looks very strong from exercise.
physical power or strength; often refers to a physique with well-developed musculature.
ExampleIt took a lot of muscle to move the heavy piano across the room.
ExampleThe job requires a fair amount of muscle, as workers are expected to lift heavy crates for several hours a day.
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3 hired guards (n.) C1 Advanced Informalpeople hired to use physical force or to protect someone.
individuals employed to provide protection or to intimidate others through physical presence.
ExampleThe club owner brought some muscle along to make sure the meeting stayed peaceful.
ExampleThe mob boss never travelled without his muscle, ensuring that any potential threats were neutralised before they could act.
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4 to force your way (v.) C1 Advanced Informalto move or push into a place using force.
to move or make progress by using physical force or social pressure; often used with 'in' or 'through'.
ExampleHe tried to muscle his way to the front of the crowd.
ExampleThe larger corporation attempted to muscle in on the local market, driving out smaller competitors with aggressive pricing.
UsageOften used as a phrasal verb: 'muscle in' or 'muscle through'.
From Middle English muscle, muscule, muskylle, and in part from Middle French muscle, from Latin mūsculus (“a muscle”, literally “little mouse”) because of the mouselike appearance of some muscles, from mūs (“mouse”). Doublet of mussel. More at mouse.