Forced: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is made to do something against their will, often through physical power or threats. It has a strong negative connotation.

• She was forced to sign the document
• The enemy soldiers forced their way into the city

Used when someone feels required to do something usually due to a sense of duty, social pressure, or a favor. It generally has a neutral or slightly positive connotation.

• I felt obliged to help her with her project
• They were obliged to attend the meeting

Often used when someone feels a strong, often moral or emotional, pressure to do something, though not necessarily through threats. It can be neutral or slightly negative.

• She felt compelled to speak out against the injustice
• The situation compelled him to take action

Implies pressure or intimidation to make someone do something they don't want to do, usually through threats or manipulation. It has a negative connotation.

• He was coerced into confessing
• They allegedly coerced the witness to change her testimony

Used when someone is made to do something against their will, often in a physical sense or under extreme pressure.

• He was forced to leave his home due to the flood
• She felt forced to apologize even though she did nothing wrong

Implies the use of threats, intimidation, or a position of power to make someone do something they do not want to do. Often has a negative connotation.

• They tried to coerce him into signing the agreement
• The company was accused of coercing employees into working overtime

To drive or urge someone to take action, often through a sense of duty, obligation, or irresistible force. Can be both neutral or positive.

• Her speech was so powerful that it compelled the audience to take action
• I felt compelled to tell the truth

Applied when someone uses influence or persuasion to make someone else do something, often repeatedly or in a manipulative manner. Can be negative depending on the context.

• He felt pressure from his peers to try smoking
• The manager is pressuring the team to meet the deadline