This is the 6446th most frequent Arabic word.
اضطرهم
"Forced them" or "compelled them."
In this sentence, the word اضطرهم is used to indicate that an external factor (hunger) compelled them to take an action.
اضطرهم الجوع إلى البحث عن طعام.
Hunger forced them to search for food.
Here, اضطرهم reflects the influence of an unavoidable condition (the darkness) on their decision.
اضطرهم الظلام إلى تأجيل الرحلة.
The darkness forced them to postpone the trip.
In this usage, اضطرهم illustrates the coercion exerted by a situation (time pressure) on their actions.