I. coax ˈkōks verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: earlier cokes, from cokes, n.
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to make a fool of : dupe
2. obsolete : fondle , pet : treat lovingly
3. : to influence or persuade by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering : wheedle
some sisters would have coaxed him for a sight of it — George Meredith
tried to coax her into arranging her nursery elsewhere — Mary S. Broome
4. : to draw, gain, or persuade forth (a desired object from its possessor or its place) by means of gentle urging or flattery or by persistent effort
coax bits of raw meat from the cook — Edita Morris
how many isolated facts can be coaxed out of an overstuffed memory by the offer of a washing machine — J.M.Barzun
5. : to manipulate with great perseverance and usually with considerable effort toward a desired state or activity
coax a fire to burn
coax a cold engine to start
intransitive verb
: to persuade or influence a person by gentle urging or flattery
II. coax noun
( -es )
: a coaxing speech or act
III. co·ax (ˈ)kō|aks noun
( -es )
Etymology: by shortening
: coaxial cable