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Coercion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coercion

[kəʊˈɜːʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

Synonyms

bullying, intimidation, pressure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coercion

Formal situations where someone is being forced to do something against their will, often with the threat of harmful consequences.

  • The suspect confessed under police coercion.
  • The contract was signed under coercion.
pressure

Situations where there is persistent effort to persuade or force someone into a decision or action, often through less aggressive means compared to coercion.

  • She felt pressure to meet the project deadline.
  • There is a lot of pressure to conform to social norms.
intimidation

Situations where someone is frightened or made to feel inferior through threats or aggressive behavior. It can occur in both personal and professional settings.

  • The witness left the trial due to intimidation.
  • Political candidates sometimes face intimidation from opponents.
bullying

Situations, often informal or personal, where one person is repeatedly aggressive or intimidating towards another, typically in schools or workplaces.

  • The child suffered from bullying at school.
  • Workplace bullying can lead to serious mental health issues.

Examples of usage

  • Police denied using coercion to obtain the information.
  • She argued that the confession had been obtained through coercion.
Context #2 | Noun

social

The action or practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats.

Synonyms

compulsion, constraint, duress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coercion

Used to describe the act of compelling someone to act against their will using force or threats. Often has a negative connotation, implying manipulation and lack of consent.

  • The suspect confessed under coercion
  • The company's employees felt that they were working under coercion
compulsion

Refers to an irresistible urge to do something, often triggered by subjective psychological forces. It can also imply external pressure, although it lacks the direct negative force implied with 'coercion'.

  • He felt a compulsion to check his phone every few minutes
  • Many students study not out of interest but compulsion due to high societal expectations
duress

Typically used in legal contexts to describe situations where someone performs an act as a result of threats or pressure. It carries a strong negative connotation, emphasizing the severity of the force or threat.

  • The contract was signed under duress and is therefore invalid
  • He claimed that his confession was given under duress
constraint

Used to describe a limitation or restriction that stops someone from behaving freely. It can be physical, social, or legal, and is usually neutral or mildly negative.

  • She spoke with restraint, constrained by the formal setting
  • The budgetary constraints didn't allow for additional hires this year

Examples of usage

  • Many workers feel that they are under constant coercion to work extra hours.
  • He resorted to coercion to get his way in the negotiation.
Context #3 | Noun

psychological

The use of force to control or influence someone's behavior or beliefs.

Synonyms

control, domination, manipulation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coercion

When forcing someone to do something through threats or force. Often used in legal or social contexts.

  • The confession was obtained under coercion.
  • The government condemned the coercion of protesters.
manipulation

When influencing or managing someone or something in a skillful but often unfair or deceptive manner. Carries a negative connotation.

  • She realized she was a target of his emotional manipulation.
  • The politician was accused of media manipulation to gain votes.
control

When maintaining or exercising authority over someone or something. Used in various contexts, from personal interactions to organizational management.

  • He likes to control every aspect of his project.
  • The remote control operates the TV settings.
domination

When someone exercises extreme power or authority over others, often implying a suppressive or overpowering manner.

  • His domination of the board meetings made it hard for others to contribute.
  • The team's domination on the field was evident in the final score.

Examples of usage

  • The cult leader used coercion to manipulate his followers.
  • She felt the coercion of societal norms shaping her identity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Perspective

  • In legal terms, coercion is often used to describe an act where an individual is forced to act against their will, leading to invalid agreements.
  • Many laws protect individuals from coercion in contracts, recognizing that true consent cannot exist under pressure.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that coercive tactics can lead to compliance, but often result in resentment and a lack of true commitment.
  • Research indicates that individuals subjected to coercion may suffer from anxiety and trust issues as a consequence.

Historical Events

  • During the Middle Ages, coercion was often used in the context of feudal systems, where lords would enforce their will upon vassals.
  • The use of coercion in political contexts has been noted throughout history, such as during the Stalinist purges in the Soviet Union.

Social Implications

  • Coercion can manifest in various forms, including emotional or psychological manipulation, often affecting personal and professional relationships.
  • In modern society, awareness of coercive behaviors is growing, especially concerning topics like domestic abuse and workplace harassment.

Origin of 'coercion'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'coercere', meaning 'to confine or restrain', showing its roots in control and limitation.
  • The prefix 'co-' means together or jointly, while 'arcere' relates to keeping something in check.

The word 'coercion' originates from the Latin word 'coercere', which means 'to restrain, to control'. The concept of coercion has been prevalent throughout history, often associated with power dynamics and control mechanisms. In legal contexts, coercion is seen as a violation of individual rights, while in social and psychological contexts, it is linked to manipulation and pressure tactics.

See also: coerced, coercer, coercionist, uncoerced.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,966 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.