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Definition of: coerce
(kō·ûrs′) v. co·erced, co·erc·ing v.t.
1. To constrain by force, law, authority, or fear; compel.
2. To bring into subjection or under control by superior force; repress.
3. To bring about by coercion: to coerce obedience.
—v.i.
4. To use coercive measures, as in government. See synonyms under COMPEL. [<L coercere <co- together + arcere shut up, restrain]
—co·er′ci·ble adjective
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