FORCE, COMPEL, COERCE, CONSTRAIN, OBLIGE mean to make someone or something yield.

FORCE is the general term and implies the overcoming of resistance by the exertion of strength, power, or duress.

e.g. forced to flee for their lives

COMPEL typically suggests overcoming of resistance or unwillingness by an irresistible force.

e.g. compelled to admit my mistake

COERCE suggests overcoming resistance or unwillingness by actual or threatened violence or pressure.

e.g. coerced into signing over the rights

CONSTRAIN suggests the effect of a force or circumstance that limits freedom of action or choice.

e.g. constrained by conscience

OBLIGE implies the constraint of necessity, law, or duty.

e.g. felt obliged to go

verb with object

persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats:

｟かたく｠ «…を» 〈人〉に強要［強制］する «into» ; 〈人〉に無理やり «…» させる «into doing, to do» ; 〈人〉を抑圧する

e.g. they were coerced into silence.

obtain (something) by using force or threats:

e.g. their confessions were allegedly coerced by torture.

coercer noun

coercible |kōˈərsəb(ə)l| adjective

late Middle English: from Latin coercere ‘restrain’, from co- ‘together’ + arcere ‘restrain’.