“逼迫”常见的英文表达有 force、coerce 和 compel,具体使用哪个词取决于语境和想要表达的细微差别:
Force:最常用,含义广泛,指通过强力、威胁或压力迫使某人做某事,常用于描述直接的、物理上的或强硬的手段。例如:
They forced him to sign the contract under threat.(他们威胁他,迫使他签下了合同。)
The police forced the door open.(警察强行把门撞开了。)
Coerce:更强调使用不正当手段,如威胁、恐吓、操纵等,迫使某人做原本不愿意做的事,带有更强的贬义色彩。例如:
He was coerced into giving away his savings.(他被胁迫交出了积蓄。)
The dictator coerced the people to support his regime.(独裁者强迫人民支持他的政权。)
Compel:侧重于强调某种强大的、不可抗拒的力量或理由,迫使某人做某事,语气较为正式,常用于书面语或较为严肃的场合。例如:
A sense of duty compelled him to help.(责任感驱使他去帮忙。)
The law compels employers to provide adequate safety equipment.(法律强制雇主提供足够的安全设备。)