coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən 
-shən
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Synonyms
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
Washington retains the capacity to employ economic coercion, diplomatic isolation, and even military force to quash serious efforts by developing countries to challenge U.S. preferences.
—
Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Terrorism is considered an act that is intended to: intimidate or coerce a civilian population; influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion; or affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination, or kidnapping.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
When women do commit violent offenses, researchers have found the episodes often are tied to self-defense or coercion by an abusive partner.
—Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
That involves an intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion; or affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination, or kidnapping.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercion 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Terrorism is considered an act that is intended to: intimidate or coerce a civilian population; influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion; or affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination, or kidnapping.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
When women do commit violent offenses, researchers have found the episodes often are tied to self-defense or coercion by an abusive partner.
—Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
That involves an intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion; or affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination, or kidnapping.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercion
Dictionary Entries Near coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share