coercion

noun

co·​er·​cion kō-ˈər-zhən How to pronounce coercion (audio)
-shən
Synonyms of coercion
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.

Synonyms of coercion

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Examples of coercion in a Sentence

a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Religious coercion has contributed to the rise of militant liberalism among Iranians. — Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026 Often, smugglers are only engaged in the industry out of financial necessity or coercion. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026 Nefarious actors have long been keen to fill the gap through what international law describes as coercion, deception and abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability. — Robert P. George, Washington Post, 14 Oct. 2026 Many other women have come forward with allegations of rape, coercion, drugging and exploitation as well. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for coercion

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

Rhymes for coercion

See All Rhymes for coercion

Browse Nearby Words

coercible
coercion
coercive
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Cite this Entry

“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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