coercion

noun

co·​er·​cion kō-ˈər-zhən 

-shən

: the act, process, or power of coercing

They used coercion to obtain the confession.

Synonyms

• pressure
• constraint
• compulsion
• intimidation
• violence

Examples of coercion in a Sentence

a promise obtained by coercion is never binding

Recent Examples on the Web

Martin’s limited series — which begs for a second season — highlights why coercion and control are typically ineffective remedies for adolescent rebellion. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025

Caracas has denounced the deployment as a pretext for coercion and a possible attempt at regime change. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025

Through cancel culture, the capture of schools and universities, corporate coercion, and media dominance, dissenting voices have been silenced. —Carolyn McKinney, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025

Brutality, coercion, and terror were always elemental parts of the entertainment. —Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025

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

• assertion
• cistercian
• desertion
• exertion
• insertion
• mercian
• 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