coercion
koh-ER-shun
/kəʊˈɜː.ʃən/
The practice of persuading or forcing someone to act using force, threats, or intimidation.
Directly invalidates voluntary choice by imposing severe external constraints.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'coercere' (to restrain or enclose), from 'co-' (together) and 'arcere' (to shut up). It evolved from physical imprisonment into legal and psychological force.
Word relationships
- compulsion: Compulsion can refer to an internal psychological urge, whereas coercion is strictly external threat.
- volition: Volition is unforced personal choice, whereas coercion is forced action.
Commonly confused with
- cohesion: Cohesion means unity or sticking together, whereas coercion means forcing compliance.
Word family
- coerce (verb): To force or compel.
- coercive (adjective): Using force or threat.
Collocations
- under coercion
- duress and coercion
- economic coercion
Example sentences
- "Confessions obtained through physical coercion or psychological threats are inadmissible in court." Law & Ethics
Memory hook
COERCE = FORCE. Coercion forces you into a corner. Forced choice under threat.
When not to use
Do not use for gentle persuasion, polite requests, or voluntary agreement.
Fun facts
- In criminal jurisprudence, proving you acted under duress or coercion can serve as an affirmative defense.
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