WorldJuly 14, 2026
coercion
/koʊˈɜːrʒən/
Definition
The act of using force, threats, or intimidation to compel an individual to do something or to gain information during interrogation.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'coercere,' meaning 'to control, restrain, or shut in.' It entered English in the 17th century, reflecting the evolution of the root verb 'coerce' into a noun form.
In the news
In the article, the term is used to distinguish between the rights of POWs, who are protected from coercive interrogation, and captured opposing forces, who are often subject to physically coercive tactics.
Behind Enemy Lines: The Protection Gap Between POWs and Captured Nonstate Actors Under International Humanitarian Law
Read the full article ↗Opinio Juris