coerce
To persuade using force or threats
Examples
In a meeting
“We cannot coerce vendors into accepting unfair contract terms.”
Over coffee
“Don't let them coerce you into going if you don't want to.”
Why this word
force
coerce means to compel through threats or intimidation, while force can be physical compulsion
pressure
coerce uses threats to compel action against will, while pressure broadly means to urge strongly
persuade
coerce uses threats or force to compel, while persuade uses reasoning to convince willingly
Usage tip
Use to describe unethical persuasion through threats or force. Has negative connotations and implies removing free choice.
Etymology
Latin 'coercere' (restrain, confine), from 'co-' (together) + 'arcere' (enclose, confine)
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Related words
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something
deter
To discourage someone from taking an action
pushback
Resistance or objection to an idea or plan
appease
To pacify or satisfy someone by giving in to their demands
compel
To force or drive someone to do something; to be irresistibly interesting
wield
To hold and use power, influence, or a tool effectively