coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən 
-shən
: the act, process, or power of coercing
They used coercion to obtain the confession.
Synonyms
Examples of coercion in a Sentence
a promise obtained by coercion is never binding
Recent Examples on the Web
The ban was meant to address concerns about the data collection, influence and even coercion, and privacy issues.
—
John Brandon, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
There are no secret cameras, no orgies, no other celebrities involved, no underground tunnels, no minors, and not so much as a hint of coercion or violence.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Countries now worry about Chinese economic coercion reducing their exports and investments, Chinese overcapacity harming their domestic industries, and potential Chinese military action against Taiwan disrupting critical supply chains.
—Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
In Congress, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are united in identifying China as a major threat to America’s national security, from economic coercion, cyberattacks and hacks, to threats against Taiwan’s sovereignty.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for coercion 
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John Brandon, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
There are no secret cameras, no orgies, no other celebrities involved, no underground tunnels, no minors, and not so much as a hint of coercion or violence.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Countries now worry about Chinese economic coercion reducing their exports and investments, Chinese overcapacity harming their domestic industries, and potential Chinese military action against Taiwan disrupting critical supply chains.
—Elizabeth Economy, Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025
In Congress, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are united in identifying China as a major threat to America’s national security, from economic coercion, cyberattacks and hacks, to threats against Taiwan’s sovereignty.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for coercion
Dictionary Entries Near coercion
Cite this Entry
“Coercion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coercion. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
coercion
noun
co·er·cion
kō-ˈər-zhən, -shən
: the use of express or implied threats of violence or reprisal (as discharge from employment) or other intimidating behavior that puts a person in immediate fear of the consequences in order to compel that person to act against his or her will
also
: the defense that one acted under coercion see also defense, duress compare undue influence
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