Coerced

To *coerce* means to persuade someone to do something by using force or threats. This pressure can be physical, emotional, psychological, or economic, and it overrides the individual's free will, leaving them with limited options. The act of being coerced implies that the individual is acting against their own desires or best interests, and the coercion removes genuine consent. Coercion can manifest in various forms, from blatant intimidation to subtle manipulation, making it a multifaceted concept applicable across a wide range of circumstances where power dynamics are involved. The goal of coercion is to compel compliance or obedience from a targeted person or group. This action can be a violation of rights, as it undermines autonomy and choice.

Coerced meaning with examples

• Under duress, the witness was coerced into signing a false confession. The investigators, by leveraging threats against his family, ensured that the witness would cooperate. This meant the information they obtained was not freely given, casting doubt on the authenticity of the statement and raising serious ethical concerns about their methods.
• The company’s employees felt coerced into taking unpaid overtime. The pressure to meet impossible deadlines, coupled with the veiled threats of job loss, created a work environment where employees did not feel free to decline additional working hours. The workers were left feeling exploited and unhappy in their roles.
• During the hostage situation, the bank teller was coerced by the armed robber into opening the vault. The threat of violence upon the other patrons and employees was enough to overcome the teller's resistance. This dangerous event made it clear that, under duress, individuals will make decisions they wouldn't ordinarily make.
• The politician was coerced by his political opponents, when they threatened to release sensitive information unless he publicly endorsed their policies. His silence was not an option. His integrity felt like it was being undermined to protect his reputation and career, a difficult scenario that forced him into making an impossible choice.
• The child was coerced into eating the vegetables through the promise of a dessert; although the parents were well intentioned in their coaxing, it still meant the child was not freely making a choice. The implication that withholding something desirable is not an ideal parenting strategy for fostering healthy eating habits.