Meaning of Word
Coercion refers to the practice of forcing someone to act in a certain way by using threats, pressure, or intimidation. It often involves the use of power to compel someone to comply with demands, against their will or best interest.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Coercion (noun): The act of persuading or forcing someone into doing something through threats or intimidation.
- Coercive (adjective): Relating to or involving coercion, especially in a way that involves force or pressure.
- Coercive force (noun): The application of physical force or threat to make someone comply.
History and Origin
The word “coercion” comes from the Latin coercere, meaning “to restrain, control,” from com- (together) and arcere (to shut in, to confine). It has been in use since the late Middle Ages, with its modern meaning evolving from the idea of legal or physical restraint to the broader use of force or threats to gain compliance.
Detailed Explanation
Coercion is typically seen as an unethical or illegal form of influence where the individual being coerced is deprived of free will due to threats or force. In legal contexts, coercion refers to acts that undermine a person’s ability to make voluntary decisions, such as threatening harm unless they comply with demands. Coercion can be psychological (threatening to ruin someone’s reputation) or physical (threatening bodily harm).
In addition to its legal applications, coercion can also describe any situation where someone is forced to act against their will by external pressure or intimidation. It is often contrasted with persuasion, where someone is encouraged to make a decision through reasoning or appeal to emotion, rather than being threatened.
Example Sentences
- The confession was made under coercion and was therefore inadmissible in court.
- She claimed that the contract was signed under coercion and demanded it be voided.
- The company used coercion to make its employees work overtime without proper compensation.
- The victim was forced to comply through threats of violence, which is a clear case of coercion.
- He argued that his actions were not voluntary, but were the result of coercion by his employer.
- Coercion in any form is not only morally wrong, but also illegal in many situations.
- The government was accused of using coercion to suppress opposition during the election.
- The defendant denied any coercion, claiming that he had acted out of his own free will.
- The police officer’s tactics were questioned for involving coercion during the interrogation.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Intimidation: The use of threats or fear to make someone comply with demands.
- Force: Physical strength or violence used to compel someone to act a certain way.
- Threats: Statements made to instill fear of harm or punishment unless certain actions are taken.
- Pressure: The act of using persistent demands or influence to force someone into compliance.
- Duress: The use of threats or force to compel someone to do something against their will, often used in legal contexts.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Manipulation: Controlling or influencing someone in an unfair or deceptive way.
- Blackmail: The act of threatening to reveal damaging information about someone unless they comply with demands.
- Intimidation: The act of frightening or making someone feel afraid to get them to comply with demands.
- Compulsion: A strong, irresistible urge to act in a certain way, often induced by external pressure.
- Extortion: The act of obtaining something through threats or coercion, often involving money or goods.
Antonyms
- Consent: Permission or agreement given willingly and voluntarily.
- Freedom: The state of being free from coercion or external control.
- Volition: The power of using one’s will to make choices freely.
- Persuasion: Convincing someone to do something through reasoning or appealing to their emotions, not through threats.
- Autonomy: The ability to make decisions independently, without outside interference or coercion.