tr.v., -erced, -erc·ing, -erc·es.
- To force to act or think in a certain way by use of pressure, threats, or intimidation; compel.
- To dominate, restrain, or control forcibly: coerced the strikers into compliance. See synonyms at force.
- To bring about by force or threat: efforts to coerce agreement.
[Latin coercēre, to control, restrain : co-, co- + arcēre, to enclose, confine.]
coercer co·erc'er n.coercible co·erc'i·ble adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
