coercion
koh-UR-zhun
/koʊˈɜːr.ʒən/
The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
Implies the complete absence of free choice due to intimidation or force.
The story behind the word. Coercion comes from Latin 'coercere', joining 'co-' (together) with 'arcere' (to enclose or shut in, as in an ark). It literally means penning someone in so tightly that they have no path except the one demanded.
Word relationships
- duress: Duress is a specific legal term for illegal threats or violence forcing action; coercion is broader.
- volition: The act of choosing or deciding through free will.
Commonly confused with
- persuasion: Persuasion wins consent through reason or charm; coercion forces compliance under threat.
Word family
- coerce (verb): To force someone to do something by threats.
- coercive (adjective): Using force or threats to compel action.
Collocations
- under coercion
- coercion and intimidation
- economic coercion
- use of coercion
Example sentences
- "The judge threw out the confession after defense attorneys proved it was obtained through police coercion." Legal proceeding
- "The small nation refused to give in to economic coercion from its powerful neighbor." International relations
Memory hook
COERCION forces you into a COrner with a WEAPON. Forced compliance through threats.
When not to use
Do not use for pleasant persuasion, gentle coaxing, or voluntary economic offers.
Fun facts
- The root 'arcere' is the source of the word 'ark' (a box or safe vessel that encloses contents).
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