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

Smith further argued that mailing the drug without in-person screenings leaves women without adequate medical oversight or evaluation for contraindications, coercion, and other health concerns. —Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2026

By the same principle, public discourse is authentic only when no participant is excluded, no opinion is forbidden, and no one is subjected to coercion. —Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026

Read some of the Statesman’s award-winning articles below, including investigations into an ICE raid in a small farming community, concerns of religious coercion at the Boise State Football program, and why students with disabilities are struggling in Idaho schools. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 3 May 2026

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

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