coercion
/kou'ə:ʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- 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
- the act of compelling by force of authority