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
Nevertheless, Turley warns in his opinion column, any financial sanctions must be careful not to cross the line into coercion, which the Court has previously cautioned against.
—
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Other opponents, including Michael Shanks, a member of Parliament, believe the bill in its current form isn’t tight enough to prevent possible coercion or other risks for patients.
—Callie Patteson, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
Additional allegations against Combs involve the use of firearms, threats and coercion as part of a criminal enterprise spanning decades.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024
The criminal complaints for assaulting, disobeying and grave coercion against police authorities were filed against the vice president and her security staff and other aides before state prosecutors, a police statement said.
—Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coercion 
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.
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024
Other opponents, including Michael Shanks, a member of Parliament, believe the bill in its current form isn’t tight enough to prevent possible coercion or other risks for patients.
—Callie Patteson, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Nov. 2024
Additional allegations against Combs involve the use of firearms, threats and coercion as part of a criminal enterprise spanning decades.
—Liam Quinn, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024
The criminal complaints for assaulting, disobeying and grave coercion against police authorities were filed against the vice president and her security staff and other aides before state prosecutors, a police statement said.
—Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 27 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 22 Dec. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share