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 Trumpian theory of politics is about indiscriminate retribution and the use of coercion and humiliation to force far-right policy down the throats of an unwilling public. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Tilleman claims that a similar type of coercion happened with Savage. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2025

Yet, while the St. Isidore cases seem likely to end whatever vestiges remain of decisions like Everson and Allegheny County, a great deal will still hinge on whether the justices enforce the rules against coercion and discrimination rigorously. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 28 Jan. 2025

Verduzco was arrested and charged with coercion and enticement, a federal offense, police said. —Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025

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