coercion

noun

co·​er·​cion kō-ˈər-zhən 

-shən

: the act, process, or power of coercing

They used coercion to obtain the confession.

Synonyms of coercion

• pressure
• constraint
• compulsion
• intimidation
• violence

Examples of coercion in a Sentence

a promise obtained by coercion is never binding

Recent Examples on the Web

Among the points of discussion during the hearing were whether requirements to display the Ten Commandments in public schools would amount to unconstitutional religious coercion or merely be a passive acknowledgement of a significant historical text. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026

Unlike tariffs, gray zone pressures, or diplomatic coercion, a supermajority referendum backed by direct economic consent would yield something significantly more valuable than mere leverage. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

European foreign policy leaders made clear that trade coercion would harm the broader transatlantic relationship and potentially derail other ongoing negotiations. —Willem Marx, NPR, 18 Jan. 2026

At the time, Agnel admitted the incidents occurred, but denied that any coercion took place. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026

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

Rhymes for coercion

• assertion
• cistercian
• desertion
• exertion
• insertion
• mercian
• overexertion
• reassertion

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