Coerce

To compel or force someone to act in a certain way or to make them do something against their will through pressure, intimidation, or manipulation. Coercion often involves the use of threats, physical force, or psychological pressure to achieve compliance. This term is frequently used in legal contexts, as well as discussions about ethics and morality, emphasizing the unethical nature of forcing someone into an unwanted action or decision.

Coerce meaning with examples

• The manager attempted to coerce employees into working overtime without extra pay, threatening to terminate their contracts if they refused. This created a hostile workplace environment, leading to complaints and potential legal action against the company.
• During the interrogation, the detective tried to coerce the suspect into confessing by making false claims about evidence, using high-pressure tactics that raised concerns about the legality and ethics of the police methods employed.
• In an effort to coerce her students into completing assignments on time, the teacher implemented harsh penalties for late submissions, which some felt was an unfair strategy that negatively impacted their motivation.
• The bill collector attempted to coerce the debtor into making a payment by threatening to report them to credit agencies, highlighting a common practice that blurs the line between legal collection efforts and intimidation.
• The political leader was accused of trying to coerce voters by promising favorable legislation in exchange for their support, raising questions about the integrity of the democratic process and the ethics of using power for personal gain.