coerce

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "coerce" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone tries to make someone else do something that they don't want to do, either by using force or by manipulating them in some way. Here is an example sentence: In an attempt to secure her cooperation, the leader of the gang tried to coerce the witness into giving false testimony.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is assessed that as detainees continue to realise their pathway proposition, there will almost certainly be a continued shift in demeanour where detainees may individually, or collectively, attempt to coerce or test policy outcomes through a range of adverse behaviours," the report states.

The Guardian

"And in that way the police prevent their family and lawyers from seeing them until they could coerce, through torture or other means, confessions from them".

The Guardian

Human Rights Watch (HRW) this week called on Pakistan to stop trying to coerce refugees to return.

The Guardian

The evidence against him included an attempt to coerce Bosch into leaving the country and pressuring him to sign an a sworn statement "attesting that Bosch never supplied Rodri­guez with PES [performance-enhancing substances] and had no personal knowledge that Rodriguez had ever used them, state­ments that Rodriguez also knew to be false".

The Guardian - Sport

If it takes the direction of vengeance, Mr Johnson, whose own mind has been embittered against the planters by family injuries, may break loose from his Cabinet; but if, as is much more probable, it takes the direction of over reverence for the policy of the dead, he must coerce his own tendencies until time and the sobering effect of great power have extinguished them.

The Economist

The Federalist papers of 1787-88 argue that trying to coerce a group of sovereign states to follow common rules is ultimately doomed.

The Economist

Judge Gershon seems to have decided to ignore this advice in the light of "the universal condemnation of organised and systematic suicide-bombings and other murderous acts intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population".More than 4,500 victims and families, from 12 countries including Israel, claim the bank "knowingly" provided financial and other assistance to the bombers' sponsors.

The Economist

But some argue that it does, in practice, coerce.

The Economist

This approach, dubbed "coerce and attack", has parallels in professional playbooks.Other research groups are getting equally sophisticated, and teams from Australia, China, Iran and Thailand, among other countries, are regularly placed high in several leagues of the competition—in contrast to their national reputations on real pitches.

The Economist

But the showing has not been made here, where the prayers neither chastised dissenters nor attempted lengthy disquisition on religious dogma.So if a prayer practice is meant "to be a means to coerce or intimidate," it is potentially problematic.

The Economist

Nothing in the constitution prohibits it.Which is not to say that all public prayer is acceptable, Justice Kennedy is quick to add If circumstances arise in which the pattern and practice of ceremonial, legislative prayer is alleged to be a means to coerce or intimidate others, the objection can be addressed in the regular course.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "coerce", consider the degree of force or pressure being applied. Choose a synonym if the connotation is too strong or too weak for the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "coerce" when describing situations where persuasion or influence is the primary method. "Coerce" implies a level of force or threat that may be inappropriate in neutral contexts. Instead, consider words like "persuade" or "encourage".

Linguistic Context

The word "coerce" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. As evidenced by Ludwig, it indicates the act of compelling someone to do something against their will, often through force or intimidation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "coerce" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of compelling someone to do something against their will, often through force or intimidation. Ludwig AI confirms that "coerce" is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its usage is common in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business settings. While "coerce" implies a lack of consent and undue pressure, consider synonyms like "compel", "force", or "pressure" to fine-tune your message. Avoid using "coerce" in neutral contexts where persuasion is the primary method.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compel

This term suggests a strong urging that can be difficult to resist, similar to coerce but often less forceful.

force

This implies direct physical or overwhelming pressure, highlighting the lack of choice.

pressure

This suggests applying influence to sway someone's decision, less direct than coerce.

bully

This emphasizes intimidation and aggression in forcing someone to do something.

intimidate

Focuses on frightening someone into compliance, a method used to coerce.

oblige

Suggests a moral or legal necessity, a softer form of compelling action.

strong-arm

Implies using aggressive tactics to force compliance.

railroad

Suggests pushing something through quickly and forcefully, often against opposition.

influence

This is a general term for having an effect on someone's actions or thoughts, and it might not always indicate coercion.

manipulate

To control or influence somebody/something, often in a devious way.

FAQs

How do you use "coerce" in a sentence?

You can use "coerce" to describe someone forcing another person to do something against their will, as in, "The bully tried to coerce the smaller children into giving him their lunch money."

What can I say instead of "coerce"?

You can use alternatives like "compel", "force", or "pressure", depending on the context and the level of force implied.

What is the difference between "coerce" and "persuade"?

"Coerce" means to force someone to do something against their will, while "persuade" means to convince someone to do something willingly. Coercion involves force or threats, while persuasion involves reasoning and influence.

Is "coerce" a formal word?

The word "coerce" is a relatively formal word. Although not overly technical, it is suitable for use in professional, academic and news writing.