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Definition of coerce

coerce

/koʊˈɜːrs/
co · erce
Adverb:coercively
•
Adjective:coercive
•
Past Simple:coerced
•
Past Participle:coerced
•
Present Participle:coercing
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coerce Lexical Profile

coerce Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To persuade or compel an unwilling person to do something by using force, threats, or intimidation.

Example

"The defense attorney argued that the suspect had been coerced into signing a false confession."

2

To obtain or bring about something by using force, threats, or undue pressure.

Example

"Authoritarian regimes often attempt to coerce compliance from the public through strict censorship."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for coerce

• Nearby Words

coeducational
coelacanth
coequal
coerce
coercer
coercion
coercive

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French coercer or directly from Latin coercēre ('to surround, enclose, restrain'), formed from the prefix co- ('together') and arcēre ('to enclose or confine').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Coerce. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/coerce
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