Forced

/fɔrst/ adjective

Definition

obtained or imposed by coercion or physical power

Etymology

from Old French force, from Latin fortia meaning strength

Kelly Says

A forced smile never looks quite right.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Force discourse is gendered in law and culture; women's consent is historically minimized (forced marriage, sexual force treated as inevitable). Language patterns treat force as something done to women, erasing their agency.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'forced' for genuine coercion. Distinguish 'forced' from 'required by circumstances' or 'strongly encouraged' to avoid erasing actual consent.

Inclusive Alternatives

["coerced","required","mandated (by law)","constrained"]

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