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coercion

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "coercion": Coercion is the act of forcing someone to do something against their will, typically by using threat

What does "coercion" mean?

Coercion is the act of forcing someone to do something against their will, typically by using threats, intimidation, or physical pressure. The mental image is one of a person being pushed or cornered into a decision they would never make if they were truly free to choose. While it is a formal term, it is frequently used in legal, political, and ethical discussions. It implies a lack of consent and is often contrasted with voluntary agreement or genuine persuasion. It is commonly collocated with terms like "under coercion," "economic coercion," or "acts of coercion."

"coercion" in conversation

Workplace dispute

Did you sign the contract because you wanted to, or were you pressured?

Did you sign the contract because you wanted to, or were you pressured?

It felt like pure coercion; they threatened to fire me if I refused.

It felt like pure coercion; they threatened to fire me if I refused.

Used to describe an unfair professional situation.

Legal advice

We need to prove that the confession was obtained through coercion.

We need to prove that the confession was obtained through coercion.

Does that mean I can get the statement thrown out?

Does that mean I can get the statement thrown out?

Often used in legal contexts regarding evidence.

"coercion" in a sentence

  1. The government used coercion to silence the protesters.

    The government used coercion to silence the protesters.

  2. The contract is invalid because it was signed under coercion.

    The contract is invalid because it was signed under coercion.

  3. He claimed the confession was a result of psychological coercion rather than his own free will.

    He claimed the confession was a result of psychological coercion rather than his own free will.

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