coerce
to compel someone to act through force or threats
Word origin: From Latin coercere, to restrain (co- together plus arcere to enclose).
Coerce in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing coerce in a sentence.
The witness claimed he had been coerced into signing the statement.
The witness claimed she had been coerced into signing a statement she did not believe.
Using “coerce” well
Coerce means to compel through force or threat. It stands opposite to cajole and persuade, which secure agreement willingly.
More GRE words starting with C
a small secret group plotting against a government or authority
having a hidden or mysterious meaning understood only by initiates
a harsh, jarring mixture of sounds
to obtain something by begging or sponging off others
falling off or shed at an early stage, especially of plant parts
to coax someone into doing something through flattery or persuasion
an event causing great damage, loss, or distress
misty, dim, or dark, and therefore obscure
Questions about “coerce”
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