noun
goon
A person who uses violence to intimidate others.
The hired goon accepts cash while threatening a shopkeeper.
Etymology
The earlier contemptuous person-word developed a tougher criminal use. A goon became someone employed for intimidation through force rather than intelligence or argument.
In context
John Scott was what you would call an old-fashioned goon
More examples
- Two goons shoved the witnesses against a wall.
- The landlord sent a goon to rough up the tenants.
- Nobody speaks up while the boss's goons patrol the room.
Forms
goon · goons
intimidation noun — The use of threats to frighten others.