coerce

American  

[koh-urs] / koʊˈɜrs /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of coerce

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

Example Sentences

Fernandez signed a guilty plea to life without the possibility of parole but later filed a resentencing petition, arguing that she was coerced into the plea and that her state-appointed defense attorney provided ineffective counsel.

From Los Angeles Times

“Nine! Please don’t blame her. It was my fault. I… I coerced it out of her,” Clare said, but he was a terrible liar even at his best.

From Literature

"The observers do not allege any verbal instruction or physical conduct that indicated one person was directing or coercing another regarding how to vote."

From BBC

He said: "If this legislation had passed, countless vulnerable people would have been pressured or coerced into ending their lives".

From BBC

To get to that point, they would have to make two declarations affirming their wishes, as well as passing checks from doctors to see if they had been coerced or influenced.

From BBC

Related Words

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