coax

Definition

  • verb: to influence or persuade (a person or animal) to do something by talking in a gentle and friendly way
  • verb: to influence or gently urge by caressing or flattering
  • often + 'into'
  • synonyms: fondle, wheedle, entice

Examples

  • It took almost an hour to 'coax' the cat down from the tree.

  • He wanted to stay home, but I 'coaxed' him 'into' going out.

  • The ad 'coaxes' customers 'to try' the new product.

Movie quotes

  • (..) He'll never do an evil thing or hurt a living thing He'll just bit by little bit lower our standards where they're important Just coax along, flash over substance just a tiny little bit And he'll talk about all of us really being salesmen And he'll get (..)
    1987 Broadcast News