erzwungen
Translation
forced, coerced, strained, artificial
Examples
Sein Lächeln wirkte erzwungen.
His smile seemed forced.
Eine erzwungene Entschuldigung ist wertlos.
A forced apology is worthless.
Grammar Patterns
erzwungen + Noun (as an adjective modifying a noun) A forced smile is not honest.
Similar Words
Synonyms: gezwungen, künstlich, unnatürlich; Antonyms: freiwillig (voluntary), natürlich (natural), spontan (spontaneous)
Etymology
The past participle of the verb 'erzwingen' (to force), from 'er-' (prefix indicating achievement) + 'zwingen' (to force).
Memory Tips
Remember the verb 'zwingen' (to force). The 'er-' prefix emphasizes that the forcing was successful, resulting in something 'erzwungen' (forced).