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coatto

forced

adjective koh-AHT-toh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Origin: From Latin coactus, past participle of cogere (to compel).

Also means

compulsory

Usage Note

Coatto in standard Italian means 'forced' or 'compulsory' (confino coatto — 'forced confinement'). In Roman slang, however, it has taken on the colloquial meaning of a loud, uncouth, or thuggish person — a sense that is very regional and informal. In formal or legal writing, only the 'compulsory' sense applies.

Examples

"Il soggiorno coatto fu una misura dura del regime."

Natural Translation

Forced residence was a harsh measure of the regime.

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