What does "coerce" mean?

The term "coerce" specifically refers to the act of persuading someone to do something against their will, often through the use of force, intimidation, or threats. This definition captures the essence of exerting power over someone in order to compel them to act in a certain way, typically in a manner that they would not choose to do voluntarily. The idea revolves around the imbalance of power where one party uses pressure to influence the actions of another.

Understanding this meaning is important as it highlights the negative connotations often associated with coercion, distinguishing it from other forms of influence or persuasion that do not involve intimidation or force.