Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

henchmen

noun

/ˈhɛnʧ.mən/

Definition

Henchmen are loyal followers or supporters, especially those engaged in criminal activities or shady dealings, who carry out orders for a more powerful figure.

Examples

The villain surrounded himself with a group of henchmen who carried out his every command.
In many action movies, the protagonist must face off against the henchmen before confronting the main antagonist.
She was surprised to find that even the henchmen had their own motivations and stories.

Meaning

The term generally refers to individuals who assist a leader, often in a morally questionable or illegal context, helping to enforce their will or carry out their plans.