Words / C1

koh-URS/kəʊˈɜːs/

To coerce is to force someone by threats or unfair pressure: coerce someone into + -ing. Force is everyday; pressure can be milder. Coercion is the noun and coercive the adjective (coercive tactics) — it is a serious legal, political, and ethical word. In speech, push someone into it or force is more natural; do not use coerce for ordinary persuasion.

Meaning

To force someone to do something by threats or pressure.

Examples

• “Staff should not be coerced into unpaid overtime.”
• “No student should be coerced into unpaid overtime for a grade.”
• “The contract looked voluntary, but the timeline was coercive.”

Good to know

coerce someone into + -ing. Noun: coercion. Everyday: force / pressure. Stronger and more official than persuade.

Near in meaning

force

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