noun
Uncommon
coercion
koh-UR-shuhn
Coercion (noun) means the use of force or threats to make someone act against their will. Example: “The confession was thrown out because it was obtained through coercion.”
noun
1
The use of force or threats to make someone act against their will.
"The confession was thrown out because it was obtained through coercion."
"Victims of coercion often feel they had no real choice."
2
In computing, the automatic conversion of a value from one data type to another.
"Type coercion can cause unexpected bugs if you compare a string to a number."
How to use coercion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishForcing someone to do something through pressure, threats, or intimidation rather than free choice.
Common pairings
under coercion
economic coercion
coercion and control
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Word forms
- Plural
- coercions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The confession was thrown out because it was obtained through _____.
Etymology
From Old French cohercion, from Latin coercitio, "restraint" — from the verb coercere, "to restrain" (see coerce).
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
noncoercion
Related words
Rhymes for coercion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for coercion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “coercion” mean?
The word “coercion” means the use of force or threats to make someone act against their will. In plain terms, forcing someone to do something through pressure, threats, or intimidation rather than free choice.
How do you pronounce “coercion”?
“Coercion” is pronounced koh-UR-shuhn (/koʊˈɝʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “coercion” in a sentence?
Here is “coercion” used in a sentence: “The confession was thrown out because it was obtained through coercion.”
What is the opposite of “coercion”?
The opposite of “coercion” — its antonyms — is noncoercion.
What part of speech is “coercion”?
“Coercion” is a noun.
Where does the word “coercion” come from?
The word “coercion” comes from Latin. From Old French cohercion, from Latin coercitio, "restraint" — from the verb coercere, "to restrain" (see coerce).
Is “coercion” a common word?
“Coercion” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “coercion” have?
“Coercion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the use of force or threats to make someone act against their will.
