Definition

1. Verb:
   • To compel or force someone to act in a certain way by using pressure, threats, or other forms of constraint. The pressure can be physical, psychological, moral, or intellectual.

Usage

• The verb "coerce" is transitive and requires a direct object (the person being forced). It is often followed by "into" + a gerund (the action being forced).
• It describes a situation where someone's free will is overridden by an external force or authority.
• It is typically used in formal or serious contexts involving authority, power dynamics, or illegal actions.

Examples

• The dictator coerced the population into silence through fear.
• She felt she had been coerced into signing the contract against her will.
• You cannot coerce someone into changing their beliefs.

Advanced Usage

• "to coerce a confession": to force someone to admit to something, often through improper means.
  • The officers were accused of trying to coerce a confession from the suspect.
• "to coerce compliance": to force someone to obey rules or demands.
  • The regime used the military to coerce compliance with its new laws.

Variants and Related Words

• Coercion (noun): The act or practice of coercing; force.
  • The agreement was obtained under coercion.
• Coercive (adjective): Relating to or using coercion; forceful.
  • The government employed coercive measures to suppress the protest.

Synonyms

• Force: To make someone do something against their will.
• Compel: To force or oblige someone to do something.
• Pressure: To persuade or force someone into doing something.
• Intimidate: To frighten or threaten someone into doing something.

Antonyms

• Persuade: To cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument.
• Coax: To persuade someone gently or gradually.
• Allow: To permit someone to do something.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "to coerce someone into (doing) something": The standard construction for describing the act of forcing.
  • He was coerced into testifying against his partner.

Verb

1. to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job in the city"
   • He squeezed her for information