WordValecoerce
to persuade by force or threats
In more detail
1. (verb) to force someone to do something by using threats or pressure
2. (verb) to obtain something by force or intimidation
Examples
- 1. The security guard coerced the suspect into confessing to the crime.
- 2. Criminals coerced money from local businesses.
How to use coerce
Coerce implies using threats, force, or pressure to make someone act against their will or better judgment. It is stronger than persuade and suggests the victim has little or no genuine choice. It appears frequently in legal, political, and formal contexts when discussing violations of free will or autonomy.
Common phrases
- coerce someone into doing something
- coerce someone to do something
- coerce compliance
- coerce a confession
- coerce through threats
Synonyms
force · compel · pressure · intimidate · constrain
Opposites
persuade · convince · encourage
Word family
coercion (noun) · coercive (adjective) · coercively (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use coerce without specifying what action is being forced; the verb typically requires a complement (coerce someone into/to do something) rather than standing alone.
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