coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən 
-shən
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Synonyms
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
Chicago's history of wrongful convictions Van Brunt, who has worked on exoneration cases involving dozens of people in Chicago, said intimidation and coercion are common denominators in obtaining false confessions.
—
Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 15 June 2024
Many were murky, located somewhere in the ethical gray zone between coercion and autonomy, pressure and advice.
—Eric Boodman, STAT, 21 May 2024
That kind of coercion is why women hold roughly 70% of the lowest-wage jobs in the U.S. economy, and why, like Akari, those women are disproportionately moms of young kids.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 June 2024
When should guidance be replaced by the full power of state coercion?
—Dan Hannan, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercion 
Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 15 June 2024
Many were murky, located somewhere in the ethical gray zone between coercion and autonomy, pressure and advice.
—Eric Boodman, STAT, 21 May 2024
That kind of coercion is why women hold roughly 70% of the lowest-wage jobs in the U.S. economy, and why, like Akari, those women are disproportionately moms of young kids.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 June 2024
When should guidance be replaced by the full power of state coercion?
—Dan Hannan, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercion
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coercion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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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