Implies an unethical or illegal way of forcing someone, carries a negative tone. He felt shanghaied into signing the unfair contract.
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Historical Origin
Originally referred to abducting sailors to crew ships bound for Shanghai in the 19th century. Sailors at the port feared being shanghaied and forced into a treacherous voyage.
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Colloquial Usage
Used informally, often in spoken English or casual writing, not in formal situations. I was basically shanghaied into organizing the entire event by myself.