coax
/kəʊks/ · coax
noun
- A simpleton; a dupe. He was taken in by the con artist, who was a perfect example of a coax.
verb
- To fondle, kid, pet, tease. The children loved to coax their kitten with soft toys.
verb
- To wheedle, persuade (a person, organisation, animal etc.) gradually or by use of flattery to do something. He coaxed the horse gently into the trailer.
verb
- To carefully manipulate into a particular desired state, situation or position. They coaxed the rope through the pipe.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The word 'coax' has been used in various forms of literature, including Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew', where the character Petruchio uses coaxing to tame his wife Kate.