English Explanatory Dictionary

amerce

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To impose a fine on; to fine.
  2. To punish; to make an exaction.

Pronunciation

/əˈmɝs/ /əˈmɜːs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-amerce.wav

Word forms

amerce amerces amercing amerced amercy

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman amercier, from Old French a (“at”) + merci (“mercy”), thus “at the mercy of”.

Synonyms

castigate penalize amerce chasten chastise come down on correct fix someone's wagon have someone's guts for garters have someone's head have someone's hide give it to someone give someone what for give what for gruel malavogue nail someone to the wall penance punish tan someone's hide tar out teach someone a lesson

Related words

mercy

Derived words

amerceable amercement amercer unamerced
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