¹coax

verb \ˈkōks\

: to influence or persuade (a person or animal) to do something by talking in a gentle and friendly way

: to get (something) by talking in a gentle and friendly way

: to cause (something) to do something by making a careful and continual effort

Full Definition of COAX

transitive verb

obsolete : fondle, pet

: to influence or gently urge by caressing or flattering : wheedle <coaxed him into going>

: to draw, gain, or persuade by means of gentle urging or flattery <unable to coax an answer out of him>

: to manipulate with great perseverance and usually with considerable effort toward a desired state or activity <coax a fire to burn>

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Origin of COAX

earlier cokes, from cokes simpleton

First Known Use: 1581

Related to COAX

Synonyms: blandish, blarney, cajole, palaver, soft-soap, sweet-talk, wheedle

Synonym Discussion of COAX

cajole, coax, soft-soap, blandish, wheedle mean to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions. cajole suggests the deliberate use of flattery to persuade in the face of reluctance or reasonable objections <cajoled him into cheating on the final exam>. coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect <coaxed the cat out of the tree>. soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain <politicians soft-soaping eligible voters>. blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions <legislators blandished with promises of support>. wheedle suggests more strongly than cajole the use of seductive appeal or artful words in persuading <hucksters wheedling her life's savings out of her>.