coax

¹

[ kohks ]

verb (used with object)

1. to influence or persuade to do something by gentle urging, smooth talk, flattery, etc.:

   He tried to coax her to sing, but she refused.

2. to obtain by coaxing:

   We coaxed the secret from him.

3. to manipulate to a desired end by adroit handling or persistent effort:

   He coaxed the large chair through the door.

4. Obsolete.
   1. to fondle.
   2. to fool; deceive.

verb (used without object)

1. to use gentle persuasion.

coax

²

[ koh-aks, koh-aks ]

noun

, Electricity.

1. coaxial cable.

coax

¹

/ kəʊks /

verb

1. to seek to manipulate or persuade (someone) by tenderness, flattery, pleading, etc
2. tr to obtain by persistent coaxing
3. tr to work on or tend (something) carefully and patiently so as to make it function as one desires

   he coaxed the engine into starting

4. obsolete.
   tr to caress
5. obsolete.
   tr to deceive

coax

²

/ ˈkəʊæks /

noun

1. short for coaxial cable

Derived Forms

• ˈcoaxer, noun
• ˈcoaxingly, adverb

Other Words From

• coax·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of coax¹

First recorded in 1580–90; verb use of obsolete cokes “fool,” perhaps variant of coxcomb ( def )

Origin of coax²

First recorded in 1945–50; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of coax¹

C16: verb formed from obsolete noun cokes fool, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The self-taught British composer David Wise, with valuable contributions from Robin Beanland and Eveline Fischer, had managed to coax a richer variety of sounds than had ever emanated from a game console.

From New York Times

Jones earned rave reviews in his early England days, with captain Jamie George lauding the "crazy energy" he was coaxing from their defence.

From BBC

In the wake of Donald Trump's devastating win last week, Democrats have fallen back on an old habit and are now trying to coax better behavior out of Republicans.

From Salon

Tom Solimi from the Ocean View Secondary School, who has international ambitions and wants to be a South African Springbok, was one of several who tried their luck coaxed on by teammates.

From BBC

Bal remembered embarking on a sartorial adventure at the age of 11 when he coaxed his father into a tailor's shop in Delhi to craft his own cowboy pants adorned with tassels.

From BBC

Related Words

• cajole
• entice
• induce
• tease
• tempt
• wheedle