coerce

Coerce is a verb that means to compel a person to act in a way they would not choose freely, often through pressure, threats, or intimidation. It implies that consent is obtained not through free will but through force, fear, or leverage.

Etymology: The word derives from Latin coercere, meaning “to restrain,” from co- “together” and arcere “to keep away.”

Legal usage: In contract law, consent obtained by coercion or under duress can render a contract voidable. In criminal law, acts committed under coercion may affect culpability. Coercive control is recognized in many jurisdictions as a form of domestic abuse, referring to sustained patterns of domination that limit a person’s freedom.

Other contexts: In international relations, coercive diplomacy seeks to influence state behavior through threats or limited force without full-scale conflict. In psychology, coercive control describes persistent manipulation and domination within relationships. In everyday language, the term carries strong moral and legal implications and is often used with care to describe improper pressure rather than voluntary agreement.

Related terms include compel, force, pressure, intimidation, and duress.