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.
Continue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
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.