coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən 
-shən
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Synonyms
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
Physical or financial threats to the mother’s wellbeing, the withholding of legal documents and controlling access to medical care would count as coercion in the legislation.
—
Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024
In recent days, defense lawyers for Trump and his adult sons have attempted to recast Weisselberg's guilty plea as an act of legal coercion, rather than an acknowledgement of wrongdoing.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2024
The physician would be required to ensure the individual is not making the decision under coercion or undue influence.
—Sam Janesch, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2024
Generally, reproductive coercion is considered any action to interfere with a woman’s choice of whether to be pregnant and use of contraceptives.
—Katie Bernard, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
The justices are reviewing a lower-court ruling that sharply limited such interactions, and must clarify when government attempts to combat misinformation cross the line from permissible persuasion to unconstitutional coercion.
—Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024
The justices must now determine whether that injunction was appropriate and where the line falls between persuasion and coercion.
—Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 18 Mar. 2024
The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University said the Supreme Court needs to clarify the line between permissible persuasion and impermissible coercion – and must emphasize that applying that standard should include a full examination of the facts and context.
—USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024
Each was the work of an autocratic regime with a penchant for coercion and violence.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 26 Jan. 2024
Jenna Barackman, Kansas City Star, 12 Apr. 2024
In recent days, defense lawyers for Trump and his adult sons have attempted to recast Weisselberg's guilty plea as an act of legal coercion, rather than an acknowledgement of wrongdoing.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2024
The physician would be required to ensure the individual is not making the decision under coercion or undue influence.
—Sam Janesch, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2024
Generally, reproductive coercion is considered any action to interfere with a woman’s choice of whether to be pregnant and use of contraceptives.
—Katie Bernard, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024
The justices are reviewing a lower-court ruling that sharply limited such interactions, and must clarify when government attempts to combat misinformation cross the line from permissible persuasion to unconstitutional coercion.
—Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024
The justices must now determine whether that injunction was appropriate and where the line falls between persuasion and coercion.
—Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 18 Mar. 2024
The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University said the Supreme Court needs to clarify the line between permissible persuasion and impermissible coercion – and must emphasize that applying that standard should include a full examination of the facts and context.
—USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024
Each was the work of an autocratic regime with a penchant for coercion and violence.
—Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 26 Jan. 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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