Definition

Noun: 1. The act of compelling someone to do something by using force or threats: Coercion involves making someone act against their will through intimidation, pressure, or the use of authority. 2. The state of being forced to comply: It can also describe the condition of someone who is being made to do something through coercive means.

Usage and Examples

• The confession was deemed invalid because it was obtained through coercion.
• Economic sanctions are sometimes used as a form of coercion to change a government's policies.
• He argued that signing the contract under such pressure amounted to coercion.

Advanced Usage

• "Under coercion": This phrase describes the state of being forced to act.
  • The witness testified under coercion and later retracted her statement.
• "To use coercion": This phrase describes the act of applying force or threats.
  • The regime maintained power by using coercion against its opponents.

Variants and Related Words

• Coerce (verb): To compel someone to do something by force or threat.
  • They tried to coerce him into signing the agreement.
• Coercive (adjective): Relating to or using force or threats.
  • The government employed coercive measures to suppress the protest.

Synonyms

• Compulsion: The action or state of forcing or being forced to do something.
• Duress: Threats, violence, constraints, or other action used to coerce someone into doing something against their will or judgment.
• Intimidation: The action of frightening or threatening someone, usually to make them do something.

Antonyms

• Persuasion: The action of causing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument.
• Volition: The faculty or power of using one's will; a conscious choice or decision.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Coercive power: Power derived from the ability to punish or impose negative consequences.
• Psychological coercion: Using psychological pressure, such as guilt or manipulation, to force compliance, as opposed to physical force.

Noun

1. using force to cause something to occur
   • though pressed into rugby under compulsion I began to enjoy the game
   • they didn't have to use coercion
2. the act of compelling by force of authority