long-arm
UK[ˈlɒŋ ɑːm]US[ˈlɔːŋ ɑːrm]
adj
(of a law or legal power) having a wide scope or jurisdiction, especially applying to people or activities outside the normal territory of the governing authority.
n
(informal) a long arm of the law: the far-reaching power of legal authorities.
Morpheme Breakdown
long
arm
long
adjective
arm
noun
Etymology
The compound "long-arm" is a metaphorical extension of the human anatomy into the legal and conceptual realm. The adjective "long," with its Proto-Germanic roots denoting physical length and duration, combines with "arm," a term for the limb used for reaching and grasping. This fusion creates a vivid image of extended reach, which was first applied figuratively in the 19th century to describe the far-reaching, grasping power of legal authority, as in the phrase "the long arm of the law." The logic is directly visual: just as a long physical arm can touch distant objects, a "long-arm" statute allows a state's jurisdiction to "reach" defendants or activities beyond its immediate borders.
Analysis
Structure: long (adjective) + arm (noun)
- long: From Old English lang, long, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch lang and German lang. Functions as an adjective describing great length or extent.
- arm: From Old English earm, ærm, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch arm and German Arm. Functions as a noun referring to the upper limb of the human body.
Examples
The state enacted a long-arm statute to claim jurisdiction over the out-of-state corporation.
You can't escape the long arm of the law forever.
The court used its long-arm jurisdiction to serve the defendant who lived in another country.