Godan verb, intransitive verb

  1. to strain (oneself), to bear down, to exert oneself, to try (too) hard, to draw one's body taut.
  2. to put on a bold front, to make a show of strength, to swagger, to bluff, to boast.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
力む りきむ

Contained Kanji Breakdown

power, strength, strong
リョク ちから リキ (1st, N4)