Coerced
/koʊˈɜːrst/
Definitions
To force someone to do something against their will, typically through the use of threats or pressure.
/koʊˈɜːrst/
To persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats.
The police officer coerced a confession from the suspect.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone twisting your arm to make you do something you don't want to do—that's coercion. It's like being forced into something, not agreeing freely.
👶 For kids: Making someone do something they don't want to do by scaring them or being mean.
More Examples
He felt coerced into signing the contract.
How It's Used
"The suspect was coerced into confessing."
"The government coerced the citizens into accepting the new laws."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *co- + *arcēre "to shut off, keep away". The sense developed through the idea of forcing someone into enclosure or confinement.
The word has held a consistently negative connotation throughout its usage, emphasizing the forceful and unfair nature of the action.
Memory tip
Think of 'coerce' as 'force' with an extra 'c' for 'control'.
Word Origin
"to restrain, keep off"