press gang

• 历史上指被雇佣来强行征募人员（尤其是男性）服兵役或海军的群体。现代用法中可指任何强迫或施压他人做违背其意愿之事的人群。

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.

   抓壮丁

   • 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.

   强制征兵

   • 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.