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

In California, the Bane Act allows lawsuits against those who use threats, coercion or intimidation to violate a person’s constitutional rights. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026

This language also obscures the ultimatums presented to Iran under threat of American force, making coercion sound like collaboration. —Atom Ariola, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, in countries like Hungary and Latvia, the law generally requires proof of use of force, threats, or coercion. —Kara Fox, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026

Seniors and distressed homeowners are targeted because the system gives them no buffer against coercion. —Darlene Mealy, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 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
• 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