Definition of "iron-fisted" [iron-fisted]

• Characterized by ruthless control (adjective)

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• ""We ask you to... impose political, diplomatic and economic sanctions on the Syrian regime, which continues to be the faithful guardian of Hafez al-Assad's legacy," the letter said, referring to the iron-fisted rule of President Hafez al-Assad, who died in 2000 after 30 years in power."
• "The North African nation was celebrating a full two weeks free of the iron-fisted rule of its longtime strongman."
• "TUNIS, Tunisia — After 23 years of iron-fisted rule, the president of Tunisia was driven from power Friday by violent protests over soaring unemployment and corruption."