coerce

The definition of coerce means to use force or scare tactics to get someone to do something.

(verb)

An example of coerce is for a person to threaten his friend if the friend does not steal money for him.

See coerce in Webster's New World College Dictionary

Origin: ME cohercen < OFr cohercier < L coercere, to surround, restrain < co-, together + arcere, to confine: see exercise

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See coerce in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb co·erced, co·erc·ing, co·erc·es

To force to act or think in a certain way by use of pressure, threats, or intimidation; compel.
To dominate, restrain, or control forcibly: coerced the strikers into compliance. See Synonyms at force.
To bring about by force or threat: efforts to coerce agreement.

Origin:

Origin: Latin coercēre, to control, restrain

Origin: : co-, co-

Origin: + arcēre, to enclose, confine

Related Forms: