English vocabulary · C1
Coerce
/koʊˈɝːs/ · v.
To coerce someone is to make them do something they do not want to do. Their choice is no longer free.
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Example sentences
- The manager tried to coerce her into signing.
- Threats cannot coerce honest agreement.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- coercere — restrain (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FORCE — make someone act (No Real Choice)
- PRESSURE — push someone to agree (Steady Push)
- COMPEL — make action necessary (Action Is Required)
Similar words
- force
- compel
- pressure
Lesson notes
To coerce someone is to make them do something they do not want to do. Their choice is no longer free.
Related: force, pressure, compel. Use coerce when a person cannot freely say no.
The manager tried to coerce her into signing. Threats cannot coerce honest agreement.
From Latin. Coercere means restrain. Coercere became coerce. To restrain a choice with pressure is to coerce.