kōˈərs, -ˈə̄s, -ˈəis transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin coercēre, from co- + arcēre to shut up, enclose — more at ark
1. : to restrain, control, or dominate, nullifying individual will or desire (as by force, power, violence, or intimidation)
religion has in the past tried to coerce the irreligious, by garish promises and terrifying threats — W.R.Inge
2. : to compel to an act or choice by force, threat, or other pressure
a person might no longer be coerced into an agreement not to join a union — American Guide Series: Massachusetts
3. : to effect, bring about, establish, or enforce by force, threat, or other pressure
struggles to coerce uniformity of sentiment — Felix Frankfurter
Synonyms: see force