裹挟 (guǒ xié) is a compound verb meaning 'to force along' or 'to coerce'—literally, to wrap around (裹) and hold tightly (挟), implying irresistible pressure that drags someone into an action against their will. It often describes situations where individuals are swept up by stronger forces—such as group momentum, authority, fear, or social pressure—not through direct orders but through overwhelming circumstance.

The word carries a strong connotation of loss of agency: the person ‘wrapped and held’ has little choice but to comply or go along. It’s commonly used in political, social, or journalistic contexts—for example, describing citizens pressured into supporting a movement, employees coerced into unethical acts, or bystanders drawn into conflict. Unlike simple synonyms like ‘persuade’ or ‘ask’, 裹挟 implies compulsion without explicit consent and often suggests moral ambiguity or danger.