press gang

• Historiquement, groupe de personnes employées pour enrôler de force des hommes, notamment pour le service militaire ou naval. De nos jours, le terme peut désigner tout groupe qui contraint ou exerce une pression sur quelqu'un pour le faire agir contre sa volonté.

Historically, a group of men employed to forcibly recruit people, especially men, into military or naval service. In modern usage, it can refer to any group that coerces or pressures someone into doing something against their will.

1. Historical forced recruitmentC1formalbritish

   A group of men employed to forcibly recruit people, especially men, into military or naval service.

   presse (recrutement forcé)

   • The press gang roamed the streets looking for able-bodied men.
   • Many sailors were taken by the press gang against their will.
   • The practice of the press gang was common in the 18th century.

2. Coercive recruitmentC1informal

   Any group or method that forces people to join an organization or activity against their will.

   Recrutement forcé

   • The company used a press gang tactic to fill its volunteer positions.
   • He felt like he was part of a press gang when they pressured him to join the committee.
   • The political party was accused of operating a press gang to get supporters.