Coercion: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.