noun
being treated well out of fear; deferential treatment due to intimidation
Describes a situation where someone is treated with respect or care not because of genuine affection, but because others are afraid of them. Often used for people with a scary appearance or reputation.
彼は強持てだから、誰も逆らえない。
He is treated with deference out of fear, so no one can oppose him.
あの先生は強持てで、生徒たちはみんな静かにしている。
That teacher is feared and respected, so all the students stay quiet.
Compound of こわ (scary, fierce) and もて (from もてる, to be popular/well-liked). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a slang term describing the phenomenon of being treated well because others are afraid.