Definition

To punish someone by requiring them to pay a fine that is decided by a court or authority, often without a specific rule or guideline.

Example

The judge decided to amerce the defendant for his misconduct during the trial.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about the judge who decided to amerce the speeding driver?

Yeah, I read that it was a pretty hefty fine.

I wonder how they come up with those amounts to amerce people.

It seems like it’s all up to the judge's discretion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Amerce is derived from the Old French 'amercier', which means to impose a fine or penalty. The term itself is rooted in the Latin 'merces' (meaning reward or payment), indicating a financial penalty imposed as a form of punishment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'amercier' as imposing a financial penalty — that's why 'amerce' means to impose a fine.

Visually Confused Words