coax

¹

[kohks]

verb (used with object)

1. to influence or persuade to do something by gentle urging, smooth talk, flattery, etc..

   He tried to coax her to sing, but she refused.

2. to obtain by coaxing.

   We coaxed the secret from him.

3. to manipulate to a desired end by adroit handling or persistent effort.

   He coaxed the large chair through the door.

4. Obsolete.

   1. to fondle.

   2. to fool; deceive.

verb (used without object)

1. to use gentle persuasion.

coax

²

[koh-aks, koh-aks]

noun

Electricity.

1. coaxial cable.

coax

¹

/ kəʊks /

verb

1. to seek to manipulate or persuade (someone) by tenderness, flattery, pleading, etc

2. (tr) to obtain by persistent coaxing

3. (tr) to work on or tend (something) carefully and patiently so as to make it function as one desires

   he coaxed the engine into starting

4. obsolete,  (tr) to caress

5. obsolete,  (tr) to deceive

coax

²

/ ˈkəʊæks /

noun

1. short for coaxial cable

Other Word Forms

• coaxer noun
• coaxingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of coax¹

First recorded in 1580–90; verb use of obsolete cokes “fool,” perhaps variant of coxcomb ( def. )

Origin of coax²

First recorded in 1945–50; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of coax¹

C16: verb formed from obsolete noun cokes fool, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Lutnick has negotiated trade agreements and coaxed big investments out of business leaders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When it finally came time to leave, Madame Babushkinov swirled her fur cape to and fro like a matador to coax her three older children to the door.

Read more on Literature

Meanwhile, local governments have rolled out “trade-in” subsidies—appliance upgrades, EV purchases—to coax spending where property wealth has stalled.

Read more on Barron's

Meanwhile, local governments have rolled out “trade-in” subsidies—appliance upgrades, EV purchases—to coax spending where property wealth has stalled.

Read more on Barron's

“You know who I am, but who are you?” this coaxing stranger offers, which is like a playground retort twisted to sound pseudo-philosophical.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cajole 
• entice 
• induce 
• tease 
• tempt 
• wheedle