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coerced - 2 dictionary results

co⋅erce

   [koh-urs]
–verb (used with object), -erced, -erc⋅ing.
1. to compel by force, intimidation, or authority, esp. without regard for individual desire or volition: They coerced him into signing the document.
2. to bring about through the use of force or other forms of compulsion; exact: to coerce obedience.
3. to dominate or control, esp. by exploiting fear, anxiety, etc.: The state is based on successfully coercing the individual.
Origin:
1425–75; late ME < L coercēre to hold in, restrain, equiv. to co- co- + -ercēre, comb. form of arcēre to keep in, keep away, akin to arca ark
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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co·erce     (kō-ûrs')  Pronunciation Key 
tr.v.   co·erced, co·erc·ing, co·erc·es
  1. To force to act or think in a certain way by use of pressure, threats, or intimidation; compel.
  2. To dominate, restrain, or control forcibly: coerced the strikers into compliance. See Synonyms at force.
  3. To bring about by force or threat: efforts to coerce agreement.

[Latin coercēre, to control, restrain : co-, co- + arcēre, to enclose, confine.]
co·erc'er n., co·erc'i·ble adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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