incoercible
A scientist observes an incoercible gas expanding in a sealed glass container.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not capable of being coerced or forced: "incoercible" describes something that cannot be compelled, constrained, or restrained by external pressure or authority.
- In physics (rare): Refers to a gas that cannot be compressed or liquefied by pressure alone.
Usage Examples
- (Her will could not be forced or subdued.)
- (The gas could not be compressed or contained.)
Advanced Usage
"Incoercible nature": a quality that resists all attempts at control.
- The child's incoercible curiosity led him to explore every corner of the house. (His curiosity could not be restrained or limited.)
"Incoercible force": a power that cannot be suppressed.
- The revolution was driven by an incoercible desire for freedom. (The desire was unstoppable and could not be suppressed.)
Variants and Related Words
Coercible (adj): capable of being forced or restrained.
- The prisoner was coercible under interrogation. (He could be forced to comply.)
Incoercibility (n): the quality of being impossible to force or compress.
- The incoercibility of the gas made it dangerous to store. (Its resistance to compression was problematic.)
Coercion (n): the act of using force or threats to compel someone.
- The confession was obtained through coercion. (It was forced under duress.)
Synonyms
- Uncompellable: not able to be forced or driven.
- Unrestrainable: impossible to hold back or control.
- Irrepressible: not capable of being suppressed (often of emotions or forces).
Antonyms
- Coercible: able to be forced or constrained.
- Compressible: able to be reduced in volume by pressure.
Related Idioms
Beyond control: completely unmanageable or impossible to restrain.
- The wildfire was incoercible, spreading beyond all human control. (It could not be contained.)
Unbending will: an unyielding, unforceable determination.
- His incoercible resolve surprised even his allies. (His will could not be bent or broken.)