Definition
To gently persuade someone to do something, or to carefully guide something into a desired state.
Example
She coaxed the shy cat out from under the bed.
Show translation
She gently persuaded the shy cat to come out from under the bed.
Etymology
From 16th-century English slang *cokes*, meaning a fool or simpleton, giving rise to *coax* in the sense of "to make a fool of" or "to cajole." By the 17th century the word had softened into its modern meaning of gentle, patient persuasion.
Cultural note
*Coax* is used equally well for people, animals, and even objects ("he coaxed the engine to life"), making it a versatile everyday verb. It implies patience and gentleness — a key distinction from words like *force* or *pressure*. British English sometimes uses *wheedle* in similar contexts, but *coax* is standard across all major varieties of English.