strongman
n. C1 Advanced US //ˈstɹɔŋˌmæn// UK //stɹˈɒŋmən// strong·man
n. a leader who rules a country by using force and fear instead of following laws or listening to other people. This person usually stays in power by controlling the police and the army.
n. a leader who maintains power through physical force, intimidation, or the suppression of political opposition. Often used to describe authoritarian figures who bypass democratic institutions.
The country was ruled by a strongman for over thirty years.
After the military coup, the new strongman consolidated his power by banning all independent political parties.
Political analysts argue that the rise of a strongman is often a response to perceived institutional failures, as citizens seek a single figure to restore order and stability.
From strong + -man.