First Known Use: 1581
Dictionary
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
2
: to influence or gently urge by caressing or flattering : wheedle <coaxed him into going>
3
: to draw, gain, or persuade by means of gentle urging or flattery <unable to coax an answer out of him>
4
: 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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See coax defined for kids
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Origin of COAX
earlier cokes, from cokes simpleton
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>.
Rhymes with COAX
2coax
noun co·ax \ˈkō-ˌaks\
Definition of COAX
First Known Use of COAX
1945
COAX Defined for Kids
coax
verb \ˈkōks\
coaxedcoax·ing
Definition of COAX for Kids
1
: to influence by gentle urging, special attention, or flattering <She coaxed her kitty out of the tree.>
2
: to get or win by means of gentle urging or flattery <He coaxed a raise from the boss.>
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