Definition of coercion
: the act, process, or power of coercing They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples of coercion from the Web
-
Phelps is charged with murder, first degree kidnapping, menacing, felon in possession of a firearm, coercion and second degree arson.
-
If anything, China has proven that a country can blend control, coercion, and patronage to stymie the Internet’s politically liberalizing elements.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coercion'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of coercion
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
Law Dictionary
coercion
playLegal Definition of coercion
: 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
Learn More about coercion
-
See words that rhyme with coercion Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for coercion Spanish Central: Translation of coercion Nglish: Translation of coercion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of coercion for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up coercion? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!