Zwingen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Zwingen" is used as verb with the meaning of "force", "compel" or "oblige".

Essential properties of "zwingen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

  • Infinitive: zwingen
  • Simple past: zwang
  • Participle: gezwungen

See full conjugation of zwingen

irregulartransitive
Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "zwingen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To force or compel someone"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Er hat ihn dazu gezwungen, den Vertrag zu unterschreiben.He forced him to sign the contract.
  2. Sie zwingen mich, etwas zu tun, was ich nicht will.They are forcing me to do something I don't want to.
  3. Ich werde dich nicht zwingen, mitzukommen.I will not force you to come along.

2.) "To achieve something by force/pressure"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Die Regierung hat versucht, die Reformen durchzusetzen, aber sie konnten nichts erzwingen.The government tried to enforce the reforms, but they couldn't force anything through.
  2. Der Streik hat die Firma gezwungen, die Löhne zu erhöhen.The strike forced the company to raise wages.
  3. Wir haben es schließlich gezwungen, eine Einigung zu erzielen.We finally forced it to reach an agreement.

3.) "To force or compel something physically"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Er zwingt den Deckel auf das Glas.He forces the lid onto the glass.
  2. Sie zwangen die Tür auf, um hineinzukommen.They forced the door open to get in.
  3. Er hat das Rohr gezwungen, um es zu biegen.He forced the pipe to bend it.

4.) "To compel oneself to do something difficult"

📝 Some usage examples:
  1. Er musste sich zwingen, früh aufzustehen.He had to force himself to get up early.
  2. Sie hat sich gezwungen, die Hausarbeit zu erledigen.She forced herself to do the housework.
  3. Ich habe mich gezwungen, trotz der Schmerzen weiterzumachen.I forced myself to continue despite the pain.
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