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

During the year of abuse Davies also encouraged or coerced his victim into filming herself committing acts of self-harm and bought her razors to facilitate this.

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Mr. Martins has claimed that Justice de Moraes needed a reason to keep him behind bars because the justice was trying to coerce a confession about the alleged Bolsonaro plot.

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The Chinese are also seeking to coerce other countries to stop cooperating with U.S. export controls.

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The President also leveraged Qatar, Turkey and Egypt to coerce Hamas into a deal.

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You are, in their household, considered a “soft touch” — someone who is easily guilt-tripped and/or coerced into parting with your money.

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Related Words

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