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coerce

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coerce

Main Entry:: co·erce
Pronunciation:: \kō-ˈərs\
Function:: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s):: co·erced; co·erc·ing
Etymology:: Middle English cohercen, from Anglo-French *cohercer Latin coercēre, from co- + arcēre to shut up, enclose — more at ark
Date:: 15th century

1 : to restrain or dominate by force <religion in the past has tried to coerce the irreligious — W. R. Inge> 2 : to compel to an act or choice <was coerced into agreeing> 3 : to achieve by force or threat <coerce compliance>

synonyms see force

— co·erc·ible

Listen to the pronunciation of coercible

\-ˈər-sə-bəl\ adjective

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