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

For example, a court can reject an agreement obtained through coercion or fraud, or one that violates a person’s constitutional rights or other applicable laws. — Asma Uddin, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

The investigation also found that men from 29 countries were recruited through deception or coercion to fight for Russian forces, in violation of international law. — Edith M. Lederer, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Evidence suggests that is now slowly giving way to coercion and deception. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

Tehran fears that surrendering its maritime leverage first would invite fresh demands; Washington worries that easing pressure would reward coercion without securing lasting constraints on Iran’s nuclear program. — Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 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

• mercian
• tertian
• assertion
• cistercian
• desertion
• exertion
• insertion
• 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