coerce Definition
- 1to persuade someone forcefully to do something that they are unwilling to do
- 2to make someone do something by using force or threats
Using coerce: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "coerce" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The boss coerced his employees into working overtime.
Example
The kidnappers coerced the victim's family into paying the ransom.
Example
He was coerced into signing the contract.
Example
The government is accused of coercing the citizens into voting for them.
coerce Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with coerce
to force someone to submit to one's will or authority
Example
The dictator coerced the opposition into submission through violence and intimidation.
to force someone to comply with a demand or request
Example
The company coerced compliance from its employees by threatening to fire them.
to force someone to confess to a crime or wrongdoing
Example
The police were accused of coercing a false confession from the suspect.
Origins of coerce
from Latin 'coercere', meaning 'to control, restrain'
Summary: coerce in Brief
The verb 'coerce' [koh-urs] means to forcefully persuade or make someone do something against their will. It can involve the use of force or threats, as in 'The boss coerced his employees into working overtime.' The phrase 'coerce into submission' refers to forcing someone to submit to one's will or authority.
