coax

The definition of coax means to try to get someone or something to do something with gentle urging.

(verb)

Using compliments to talk a friend into taking a dance class with you is an example of to coax.
Unclogging a drain with a plunger is an example of to coax.

See coax in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to induce or try to induce to do something; (seek to) persuade by soothing words, an ingratiating manner, etc.; wheedle
to get by coaxing

Origin: orig. slang, “to make a coax of” < obs. slang coax, cox, cokes, a fool, ninny

intransitive verb

to use gentle persuasion, urging, etc.

Related Forms:

See coax in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb coaxed, coax·ing, coax·es

verb, transitive

To persuade or try to persuade by pleading or flattery; cajole.
To obtain by persistent persuasion: coaxed the secret out of the child.
Obsolete To caress; fondle.
To move to or adjust toward a desired end: “A far more promising approach to treating advanced melanoma is to coax the immune system to recognize melanoma cells as deadly” (Natalie Angier).

verb, intransitive

To use persuasion or inducement.

Origin:

Origin: Obsolete cokes, to fool

Origin: , from cokes, fool

Related Forms: