coercion

noun

co·​er·​cion kō-ˈər-zhən 

-shən

: the act, process, or power of coercing

They used coercion to obtain the confession.

Synonyms

• arm-twisting
• compulsion
• constraint
• duress
• force
• pressure

Examples of coercion in a Sentence

a promise obtained by coercion is never binding

Recent Examples on the Web

The former and future president is a strong believer in using coercion, such as economic sanctions, to pressure other actors. —Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024

Drouin cited links between Bishnoi's network and various violent acts in Canada, ranging from coercion to assassination plots, describing a sophisticated web of organized efforts. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

According to a study by the Institute of Public Policies published this year, only 14% of all rape complaints lead to a formal investigation in France, with prosecutors often unable to find sufficient proof that the perpetrator had used violence, threat, coercion or surprise. —Reuters, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024

To evade Western sanctions, the Chinese Communist Party uses less bloody and more hidden methods of coercion against these bishops than the show trials and physical ... —Nina Shea, National Review, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cohercion, borrowed from Anglo-French cohercioun, borrowed from Late Latin coerctiōn-, coerctiō, by-form of Latin coercitiōn-, coercitiō, from coerci-, variant stem of coercēre "to coerce" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

coercion

noun

co·​er·​cion kō-ˈər-zhən, -shən 

: the use of express or implied threats of violence or reprisal (as discharge from employment) or other intimidating behavior that puts a person in immediate fear of the consequences in order to compel that person to act against his or her will

also : the defense that one acted under coercion see also defense, duress compare undue influence