erzwungene

Erzwungene is a German noun used to refer to people who have been coerced or forced to act, or to groups identified by coercive circumstances. It is formed from the past participle erzwungen of the verb erzwingen (to force, compel) and is commonly used in historical, political, or sociological contexts to denote individuals who have lacked voluntary agency.

In nominal use, the forms are der Erzwungene (masculine singular), die Erzwungene (feminine singular), and die Erzwungenen (plural). The plural form die Erzwungenen is typically used for groups regardless of gender. As an attributive adjective, erzwungen remains lowercase: erzwungene Zugeständnisse, erzwungene Maßnahmen, etc.

Etymology and nuance: Deriving from erzwingen, the term emphasizes external pressure or coercion rather than voluntary action. When used as a noun, it can carry a critical or somber connotation, highlighting lack of autonomy or agency in the affected individuals.

Common contexts: The term appears in discussions of oppression, occupation, totalitarian regimes, coercive policies, and in literary or journalistic portrayals of people subjected to force. It is frequently contrasted with terms for voluntary action or autonomy.

See also: Zwang, Zwangsregime, Unterdrückung, Opfer, Erzwingen, Zwangsarbeit, Erpressung.