coerce
/kou'ə:s/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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