coercive

adjective

co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv 

: serving or intended to coerce

coercive power

coercive measures

coercively adverb

coerciveness noun

Examples of coercive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As a pattern of intimidation, isolation, humiliation and controlling behavior, coercive control can be as damaging as physical abuse. —Oona Metz, Time, 13 Jan. 2026

If the regime’s coercive structures were truly dismantled, Venezuela’s diaspora could play a transformative role in rebuilding their country. —Richard Kiy, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026

As long as this behavior is treated as a humanitarian problem rather than a coercive strategy, Tehran will continue to rely on hostage-taking as a core tool of statecraft. —Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Requiring Congress to authorize the use of coercive American power was meant to slow decisions, demand justification and bind military action to collective judgment rather than individual will. —Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

coerce + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing coercive

• coercive force

Rhymes for coercive

• aversive
• discursive
• dispersive
• immersive
• recursive
• subversive
• cursive

Legal Definition

coercive

adjective

co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv 

1

: serving or intended to coerce

2

: resulting from coercion

to protect women from coercive intimacy

—Kimberle Crenshaw