coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən 
-shən
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
What went cruelly overlooked was the larger effect of such coercion: lasting trauma for Schneider, whose outspokenness over the years about her experience typically went unnoticed.
—
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
The latest findings add to a growing list of evidence of deeply rooted, widespread malpractice and coercion in what the commission called a mass exportation of children to meet foreign demand.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Of abuse and coercion by rapacious family members eager to get their hands on an inheritance.
—Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 25 Mar. 2025
The goal is not to discourage health-promoting behaviors but to ensure that those behaviors are accessible, sustainable, and free from shame or coercion.
—Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
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Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2025
The latest findings add to a growing list of evidence of deeply rooted, widespread malpractice and coercion in what the commission called a mass exportation of children to meet foreign demand.
—Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Of abuse and coercion by rapacious family members eager to get their hands on an inheritance.
—Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 25 Mar. 2025
The goal is not to discourage health-promoting behaviors but to ensure that those behaviors are accessible, sustainable, and free from shame or coercion.
—Essence, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal 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
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