Amerce: meaning, definitions and examples

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amerce

 

[ əˈmɜːrs ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

legal penalty

To amerce means to impose a monetary penalty for an offense, particularly in relation to the law. It traditionally refers to fines determined by a judge or a court for specific offenses.

Synonyms

fine, penalize, punish.

Examples of usage

  • The judge decided to amerce the defendant for the breach of contract.
  • If the violations continue, the city may amerce the business with hefty fines.
  • The court will amerce those found guilty of contempt.
  • They were amerced for failing to comply with safety regulations.

Translations

Translations of the word "amerce" in other languages:

🇵🇹 multa

🇮🇳 जुर्माना

🇩🇪 Geldstrafe

🇮🇩 denda

🇺🇦 штраф

🇵🇱 grzywna

🇯🇵 罰金

🇫🇷 amende

🇪🇸 multa

🇹🇷 ceza

🇰🇷 벌금

🇸🇦 غرامة

🇨🇿 pokuta

🇸🇰 pokuta

🇨🇳 罚款

🇸🇮 globa

🇮🇸 sekt

🇰🇿 айыппұл

🇬🇪 ჯარიმა

🇦🇿 cərimə

🇲🇽 multa

Etymology

The term 'amerce' originates from the Anglo-French word 'amercier' which means 'to impose a fine'. It was first used in the legal context during the Middle Ages, reflecting the feudal system where lords had the authority to impose such penalties on vassals. Over time, 'amerce' has become a recognized term within common law jurisdictions, distinguishing it as a formal imposition of a penalty rather than arbitrary punishment. The concept is tied closely to the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice, emphasizing the legal authority in determining financial penalties for offenses. It signifies a transition from a personal vendetta or retribution to a structured legal framework where penalties are prescribed, thus safeguarding societal norms.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,715, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.