What is the act of forcing someone to do something using physical force or threats called?

The act of forcing someone to do something through physical force or threats is known as coercion. This term specifically describes the process of persuading someone to act in an involuntary manner by using pressure or threats, which may involve both psychological and physical means. Coercion implies an imbalance of power, where the person being coerced is made to feel that their options are limited by the potential repercussions of non-compliance.

Manipulation, while related to influencing someone’s behavior, typically involves more subtle, often deceitful tactics that do not necessarily involve direct threats or physical force. Intimidation involves creating a feeling of fear or anxiety in someone to influence their behavior but does not always imply active forcing or direct power dynamics. Abuse encompasses a range of harmful behaviors that can include coercion but is a broader term used to describe mistreatment in various forms.

Thus, coercion is the most precise term to denote the act of forcing behavior through threats or physical means, making it the correct choice in this context.