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
But since the end of World War II, American power has been rooted mostly in cooperation, not coercion.
—
Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
That the use of the tapes and threat of exposure of those tapes to get the women to comply with what Diddy wanted to do is an element of coercion in and of itself.
—Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
The union was not designed for this kind of naked coercion, and the White House should not be surprised, then, when the blue state targets of Trump's abuse start thinking a little more carefully about their options.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Researchers examined how both civilians and military officer cadets responded to moral dilemmas under coercion, and the results were striking: A civilian's sense of agency dropped just as much as a soldier’s when following orders.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
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Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
That the use of the tapes and threat of exposure of those tapes to get the women to comply with what Diddy wanted to do is an element of coercion in and of itself.
—Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
The union was not designed for this kind of naked coercion, and the White House should not be surprised, then, when the blue state targets of Trump's abuse start thinking a little more carefully about their options.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Researchers examined how both civilians and military officer cadets responded to moral dilemmas under coercion, and the results were striking: A civilian's sense of agency dropped just as much as a soldier’s when following orders.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 11 June 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 30 Jun. 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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