coercion
koh-UR-zhuhn
/koʊˈɜːrʒən/
The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.
Implies the use of psychological pressure, threats, or actual force to overcome a person's free will and compel them to act against their wishes.
The story behind the word. The word 'coercion' comes from the Latin verb 'coercere,' which means 'to restrain, to check, to compel.' It's formed from 'co-' (together) and 'arcere' (to enclose, to restrain). This root perfectly encapsulates the idea of forcing someone into a confined or limited choice, compelling them to act against their will through restraint or threats. It entered English in the 17th century.
Word relationships
- compulsion: Compulsion is the act of being forced; coercion is the act of forcing someone.
- duress: Duress is constraint by threat; coercion is the act of applying that threat or force.
- persuasion: The action or process of persuading someone or of being persuaded to do or believe something.
- consent: Permission for something to happen or agreement to do something.
Commonly confused with
- influence: Influence is gentle persuasion; coercion is forceful persuasion or threats.
Word family
- coerce (verb): To persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats.
- coercive (adjective): Relating to or using coercion.
Collocations
- under coercion
- use coercion
- economic coercion
- military coercion
Example sentences
- "Any agreement made under duress or coercion is considered legally invalid." In a legal discussion about consent.
- "The refugees reported widespread coercion by armed groups, forcing them to abandon their homes." From a human rights report.
Memory hook
Think 'COERCE' sounds like 'force.' Coercion is about using force to make someone comply. Force to comply
When not to use
Do not use 'coercion' for simple persuasion or influence. It specifically implies the use of force or threats to compel an action.
Related words
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