coercion

[ koh-ur-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of coercing; use of force or intimidation to obtain compliance.
2. force or the power to use force in gaining compliance, as by a government or police force.

coercion

/ kəʊˈɜːsɪv; kəʊˈɜːʃən /

noun

1. the act or power of coercing
2. government by force

Derived Forms

• coˈercively, adverb
• coˈerciveness, noun
• coˈercionist, noun
• coercive, adjective

Other Words From

• co·ercion·ar·y adjective
• co·ercion·ist noun
• nonco·ercion noun
• proco·ercion adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of coercion¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Medieval Latin coerciōn- stem of coerciō, shortened from coercitiō, from coercit(us) “restrained” (past participle of coercēre “to hold in, restrain”; coerce ) + -iō -ion; replacing late Middle English cohercion, from Middle French, from Latin, as above

Example Sentences

The legislation would require two independent doctors and a judge to determine whether the person satisfies the criteria to take their own life - including expressing a clear wish to do so, free from coercion.

From BBC

Instead, tariffs could mainly affect "very discount brands that are utilizing or have the benefit of economic coercion," said Daniels.

From Salon

This increase is similar to the situation in other western countries, suggesting that coercion is now an integral part of mental health treatment.

From Salon

“The vast majority of officers are corrupted as a result of conditioning, manipulation, coercion and blackmail, while being badly trained, poorly led and inadequately supervised,” he adds.

From BBC

Critics of her measure have raised fears of coercion and a slippery slope to wider legislation taking in more people.

From BBC

Related Words

• duress
• intimidation
• persuasion