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

He said doctors had a legal right to strike and should not be "bullied or coerced" into working.

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A firsthand account by an escaped slave who became a famous abolitionist and orator, this memoir reframed slavery as coerced labor.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mack was among one of the “masters” in the group, a lieutenant tasked by Raniere with recruiting and coercing other women.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The government is accused of denying detainees proper access to food, water and medical care and coercing them to sign documents they don’t understand.

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“We’re both familiar with what can happen and what has happened, when the state coerces people and restricts fundamental human rights, on a very personal level,” Howald said.

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Related Words

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