coercion

/koʊˈɝʃən/

Group 19Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(noun)
The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats
GRE

Example in Context

The confession was thrown out after the court determined it had been obtained through coercion rather than voluntary cooperation.

Synonyms

forcepressurebullying

Etymology

To restrain someone through force or threat.

  • coercere (Latin) — to restrain

Memory Aid

🤐Sounds like “coercion

If you COOK your veggies too long, they might COERCE you into silence!

Visual Association

🔫A villain holding a fork to a broccoli, forcing it to surrender its nutrients.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “coercion” mean on the GRE?

coercion (noun) means “The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats”. The confession was thrown out after the court determined it had been obtained through coercion rather than voluntary cooperation.

How to remember “coercion” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “coercion” sounds like “coercion”. If you COOK your veggies too long, they might COERCE you into silence!

What are synonyms for “coercion”?

Common synonyms: force, pressure, bullying.