coerce
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
to persuade someone forcefully to do something they do not want to do
to compel or force someone into action through pressure, threats, or intimidation; to achieve something by using force or authority
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies the use of force, threats, or authority to overcome resistance. Often involves psychological pressure rather than physical violence. Carries negative connotations of compulsion against someone's will.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties, implying undue pressure or force.
Frequency
Slightly more common in legal and political contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
coerce someone into doing somethingcoerce someone to do somethingcoerce something from someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'coerce'”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might appear in contexts about unethical management practices or regulatory pressure.
Academic
Common in political science, sociology, and law discussing power dynamics and social control.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation; used when describing serious pressure or manipulation.
Technical
Used in legal contexts regarding coerced confessions or contracts signed under duress.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The gangsters coerced the witness into changing his testimony.
- The new regulations could coerce businesses into adopting greener practices.
American English
- The prosecutor was accused of coercing a confession from the suspect.
- You can't coerce someone to love you.
adverb
British English
- He was coercively persuaded to sign the contract.
- The agreement was obtained coercively.
American English
- The confession was coercively extracted.
- They acted coercively to secure the deal.
adjective
British English
- The coercive tactics of the regime were widely condemned.
- They used coercive control to manipulate their partner.
American English
- The law prohibits coercive interrogation methods.
- She felt trapped in a coercive relationship.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher should not coerce students into answering.
- Parents sometimes coerce children to eat vegetables.
- The government was accused of coercing voters through intimidation.
- It is illegal to coerce an employee into working overtime.
- The dictator's regime coerced the population into submission through fear and propaganda.
- The contract was void because it was signed under coercive circumstances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CO-erce' as 'CO-ercing' someone to act against their will, with 'CO-' suggesting togetherness in the act of forcing.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORCE IS PHYSICAL PRESSURE (e.g., 'pressure someone', 'force into a corner')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'убедить' (to persuade). 'Coerce' is closer to 'принудить', 'заставить' with negative force.
- Do not use for simple encouragement or strong recommendation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'coerce' for positive persuasion (e.g., 'I coerced him to try the cake' – incorrect).
- Confusing with 'convince'. Coercion implies resistance overcome by force.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'coerce' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it almost always has a negative connotation, implying the use of force, threats, or undue pressure against someone's will.
Extremely rarely. Even in contexts like 'coerced into doing the right thing', the act of coercion itself is viewed negatively.
'Persuade' involves convincing someone through reasoning or argument. 'Coerce' involves using force, threats, or authority to make someone comply against their wishes.
The noun is 'coercion'. The adjective is 'coercive'. The adverb is 'coercively'.
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