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
Through a combination of coercion and inducement, China has sought to simultaneously expand its geopolitical clout and mitigate its domestic overcapacity challenges by expanding its engagement with the global South.
—
Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
Employers have the right to create their own PTO donation policies within local labor regulations, but coercion is strictly prohibited.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
This is no easy task when the hazards in need of troubleshooting aren’t the usual security threats, but things like coercion of sophisticated models or embodied robotics systems going rogue.
—Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
The former and future president is a strong believer in using coercion, such as economic sanctions, to pressure other actors.
—Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercion 
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Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
Employers have the right to create their own PTO donation policies within local labor regulations, but coercion is strictly prohibited.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024
This is no easy task when the hazards in need of troubleshooting aren’t the usual security threats, but things like coercion of sophisticated models or embodied robotics systems going rogue.
—Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
The former and future president is a strong believer in using coercion, such as economic sanctions, to pressure other actors.
—Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercion
Dictionary Entries Near coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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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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