coercive

adjective

co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv 

: serving or intended to coerce

coercive power

coercive measures

coercively adverb

coerciveness noun

Examples of coercive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ethical sales uses insight to be relevant, not coercive, and always leaves the buyer feeling respected and in control. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

If the boundary between them is compromised, the church too will become coercive. — Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Unlike physical aggression, coercive control operates through monitoring, intimidation, isolation, guilt and restrictions on a partner’s autonomy. — Mark Travers, CNBC, 5 July 2026

After steering hiring toward workers of Latin American origin, the companies allegedly subjected those employees to intimidation and coercive working conditions. — Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

coerce + -ive

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing coercive

• coercive force

Rhymes for coercive

• cursive
• aversive
• discursive
• dispersive
• immersive
• recursive
• subversive

Legal Definition

coercive

adjective

co·​er·​cive kō-ˈər-siv 

1

: serving or intended to coerce

2

: resulting from coercion

to protect women from coercive intimacy

—Kimberle Crenshaw