press gang

• Исторически — группа людей, нанимаемая для принудительного набора людей, особенно мужчин, на военную или морскую службу. В современном употреблении может относиться к любой группе, которая принуждает или оказывает давление на кого-либо, заставляя делать что-то против его воли.

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.

   Вербовщик

   • 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.

   Принудительная вербовка

   • 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.