coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən 
-shən
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said Tokyo and New Delhi are deepening their multi-layered cooperation as part of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership, referring to bilateral ties that seek a free, open, peaceful, prosperous and coercion-free Indo-Pacific.
—
Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
The study of gender represents the kind of free inquiry that allows people to decide for themselves how to live, free of coercion or government control.
—Elizabeth Anne Wood, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
Though Combs’ defense argued that his acquittals on the most serious charges precluded the court from considering the women’s claims of coercion, Judge Arun Subramanian said the women’s claims of violence and exploitation were major factors in the prison sentence of four years and two months.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
The church must treat spiritual coercion as seriously as physical violence.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
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Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
The study of gender represents the kind of free inquiry that allows people to decide for themselves how to live, free of coercion or government control.
—Elizabeth Anne Wood, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025
Though Combs’ defense argued that his acquittals on the most serious charges precluded the court from considering the women’s claims of coercion, Judge Arun Subramanian said the women’s claims of violence and exploitation were major factors in the prison sentence of four years and two months.
—Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Oct. 2025
The church must treat spiritual coercion as seriously as physical violence.
—Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 27 Oct. 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
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