coercion

noun

co·​er·​cion kō-ˈər-zhən How to pronounce coercion (audio)
-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 Each point of connectivity, the writers insist, could serve as an avenue for Chinese coercion. Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Biden praised China for its cooperation to stop global flows of synthetic narcotics, but said the world must continue to stand up against economic and military coercion. Asma Khalid, NPR, 24 Sep. 2024 According to the indictment, Combs allegedly used a pattern of coercion, threats and violence to keep victims under his control. Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2024 Through interviews and testimonies, the podcast pieces together a chilling tale of coercion and control that builds to a shocking climax. Justine Browning, EW.com, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coercion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coercion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of coercion was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near coercion

Cite this Entry

“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Legal Definition

coercion

noun
co·​er·​cion kō-ˈər-zhən, -shən How to pronounce coercion (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on coercion

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