zwingen
Translation
to force, to compel, to coerce
Examples
Er zwang mich, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
He forced me to tell the truth.
Die Situation zwingt uns zum Handeln.
The situation forces us to act.
Lass dich nicht zu etwas zwingen.
Don't let yourself be forced into anything.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to force (sb.) to (do sth.) The parents force the child to study.
((sb.)) ((to do sth.)) to force (sb.) to do (sth.) He forced me to sign the document.
Similar Words
Synonyms: nötigen (to compel), verpflichten (to oblige); Antonyms: erlauben (to allow), gestatten (to permit)
Etymology
Derived from the Old High German word 'dwingan', meaning 'to press' or 'to oppress'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a 'twinge' of pain or pressure that 'zwingen's (forces) you to do something.