gezwungen
Translation
forced, strained, unnatural, compelled
Examples
Sein Lächeln wirkte sehr gezwungen.
His smile seemed very forced.
Er war gezwungen, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
He was forced to tell the truth.
Grammar Patterns
(attributive) (a forced/strained ...) He showed a forced smile.
gezwungen sein, ((sth.)) zu tun (to be forced/compelled to do sth.) I am forced to work longer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erzwungen, unfreiwillig; Antonyms: freiwillig, natürlich
Etymology
The past participle of the verb 'zwingen' (to force, to compel).
Memory Tips
Think of being in a 'zwing'-ing (stinging) situation where you are forced to act against your will.