muscle

/ˈmʌsəl/
noun
  1. A body tissue that can contract to produce movement or force.
    • The doctor said the pain is from a strained muscle in my back.
    • Regular exercise helps build strong muscles.
    • He pulled a muscle in his leg while running.
  2. Physical strength or power.
    • The job requires a lot of muscle to lift heavy boxes.
    • She used her muscle to push the car out of the mud.
    • He doesn't have the muscle to open that jar.
  3. Power or influence, especially in a group or organization.
    • The company used its financial muscle to buy out competitors.
    • Political muscle helped him get the new law passed.
    • They brought in extra muscle to enforce the rules.
Antonyms
verb
  1. To force one's way or use strength to achieve something.
    • The big player muscled past the defenders to score a goal.
    • She muscled the heavy door open when it got stuck.
    • He muscled his way through the crowd to get to the front.