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"Coerce" vs. "enslave": where force meets total control

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 07/06/2025, 15:38

English.me team member

Coerce and enslave. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "coerce" and "enslave" involve forcing someone to do something against their will, removing or severely limiting their freedom.

What is different?

"Coerce" generally refers to using threats or force to make someone act in a certain way, often in a specific situation, while "enslave" means to make someone a slave, taking away their freedom entirely and usually for an extended period or permanently.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for coerce) and enslave

Examples of usage

Coerce

She tried to coerce him into signing the contract.
The criminal was coerced into making a confession.

Enslave

The invaders sought to enslave the captured population.
It is wrong to enslave another human being under any circumstances.

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