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COERCION Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

coercion

noun

co·​er·​cion kō-ˈər-zhÉ™n How to pronounce coercion (audio)
-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
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.
Combs' case was particularly challenging, wading into the murky intersections of consent and coercion, celebrity, complex workplace dynamics and the myriad ways that people cope with trauma. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 The paper also reported that the judge also added a sentencing enhancement related to coercion. Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025 The Venezuelan regime has condemned the deployment as an act of coercion and a potential prelude to intervention. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 Slantchev’s research, supported by the National Science Foundation, includes military coercion, intra-war negotiations, the conduct of war, and war terminations. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Legal Definition

coercion

noun
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on coercion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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