[co.erce] vt co.erced ; co.erc.ing [L coercere, fr. co- + arcere to shut up, enclose--more at ark] (15c) 1: to restrain or dominate by force "religion in the past has tried to ~ the irreligious --W. R. Inge"
2: to compel to an act or choice
3: to bring about by force or threat "~ the compliance of the rest of the community --Scott Buchanan" syn see force -- co.erc.ible adj