English Dictionary
Definition of “coerce”
coerce (kəʊˈɜːs
)
Definitions
verb
- (tr) to compel or restrain by force or authority without regard to individual wishes or desires
Alternative Forms
coˈercer noun coˈercible adjective Word Origin
C17: from Latin coercēre to confine, restrain, from co- together + arcēre to enclose
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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force,
compel,
bully,
intimidate,
railroad,
constrain,
bulldoze,
dragoon,
pressurize,
browbeat,
press-gang,
twist (someone's) arm
drive,
Usage examples
If you coerce them into believing Joyhinia wishes to retire in favour of Mahina, then that's exactly what they'll do.
Jennifer Fallon, TREASON KEEP (2001)In the case of threats to kill, the speech is merely incidental to an attempt to coerce the victim to act in a certain way.
Spiked (2003)The following morning, members of the Cremen family preparing to re-start the search had to coerce the accused to go with them.
New Zealand Herald (2003)Andrew McIntosh was jailed in 1993 for conspiring to coerce the Government into setting up a separate government in Scotland.
Times, Sunday Times (2004)NATO, ultimately it can only seek to persuade not coerce.
Thatcher, Margaret, The Downing Street Years (1993)
