coerce

[koh-urs]

verb (used with object)

coerced, coercing 

1. to compel by force, intimidation, or authority, especially without regard for individual desire or volition.

   They coerced him into signing the document.

2. to bring about through the use of force or other forms of compulsion; exact.

   to coerce obedience.

3. to dominate or control, especially by exploiting fear, anxiety, etc..

   The state is based on successfully coercing the individual.

coerce

/ kəʊˈɜːs /

verb

1. (tr) to compel or restrain by force or authority without regard to individual wishes or desires

Other Word Forms

• coercer noun
• coercible adjective
• noncoercible adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coerce¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin coercēre “to hold in, restrain,” equivalent to co- co- + -ercēre, combining form of arcēre “to keep in, keep away,” akin to arca ark

Word History and Origins

Origin of coerce¹

C17: from Latin coercēre to confine, restrain, from co- together + arcēre to enclose

Example Sentences

The board had alleged that the company had been “interfering with, restraining and coercing employees in the exercise of their rights.”

From Los Angeles Times

According to the FBI, terrorism is “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government or civilian population in furtherance of political or social objectives.”

From Los Angeles Times

"We are empowering the State to kill," he warned, adding there would be a "temptation" for families to coerce dying relatives to take up assisted dying in order to pass on money and assets.

From BBC

Lawyers have accused it of coercing devotees, known colloquially as "Moonies" after its founder, to donate large sums of money.

From BBC

The case centres on a neo-Nazi state informant known as Agent X who used his MI5 role to coerce his girlfriend, whom he attacked with a machete.

From BBC

Related Words

• browbeat 
• bully 
• intimidate 
• repress 
• strong-arm 
• suppress 
• terrorize