-ˈər]zhən, -ˈə̄], -ˈəi], ]shən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English cohercion, from Middle French, from Latin coertion-, coertio (also coerction-, coerctio ), alteration of coercitio, from coercitus, past participle of coercēre + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the act of coercing : use of physical or moral force to compel to act or assent
some form of coercion , overt or covert, which encroaches upon the natural freedom of individuals — John Dewey
b. : a power or force that coerces
the submissive way of one long accustomed to obey under coercion — Charles Dickens
2. : the application of sanctions or force by a government usually accompanied by the suppression of constitutional liberties in order to compel dissenters to conform
coercion acts
3. : physical force tending to constrict or compress
the coercion of the ice around the ship's bows
Synonyms: see force