noun
coercion
koh-UR-shuhn
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
Word Forms
coercions plural
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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).