Henchman: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe someone who is a loyal supporter or assistant, often to a powerful figure, and is willing to do their bidding, usually in a negative or criminal context.

• The crime boss sent his henchman to deal with the rival gang.
• The politician was caught with his henchman involved in the scandal.

Describes someone who supports and admires another person, often in a benign or neutral way. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

• As a social media star, she has many followers who admire her work.
• The cult leader's followers blindly obeyed his commands.

Often used to describe a follower who serves someone powerful, generally in a subservient or slavish manner. It can have a playful or negative connotation depending on the context.

• The villain's minions carried out his every command.
• In the fantasy novel, the dark sorcerer had many minions.

Refers to someone who helps another person commit a crime or wrongdoing. This term is strictly used in criminal contexts.

• The thief and his accomplice were arrested after the heist.
• Investigators are searching for the accomplice who helped plan the robbery.

A derogatory term used to describe a rough, brutish person hired to perform violent or illegal tasks. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The loan shark sent his goons to intimidate the debtor.
• The movie portrayed the goons as mindless thugs.