Which word refers to something that is forced upon someone unwillingly?

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Study for the SAT Vocabulary 2025 Test. Master vocabulary with flashcards and questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The word that refers to something that is forced upon someone unwillingly is "obtruded." This term derives from the root "trude," which implies a pushing or thrusting, and the prefix "ob-" indicates being against or in the way of. Therefore, when something is obtruded upon a person, it suggests that it is thrust upon them without their consent or against their wishes, reflecting an unwelcome imposition.

The other choices do not convey the same sense of something being involuntarily imposed. "Confounded" typically means confused or perplexed, and does not imply the same context of imposition. "Affluent" refers to being wealthy or having a large amount of resources, which has no connection to the notion of something being forced. Lastly, "paucity" indicates a scarcity or lack of something, which again does not relate to the concept of compulsion or unwelcome imposition. This makes "obtruded" the only choice that aligns perfectly with the definition provided in the question.