coaxer

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

coax¹ /koʊks/   v. 

1. to attempt to influence by gentle persuasion, etc.;
   persuade: [~ + object + to + verb]
   Maybe you can coax her to sing.
   [~ + object + into + verb-ing]
   See if you can coax them into giving us the recipe.
   [used with quotations]
   "Come on,'' he coaxed,"you can do it.''
2. to obtain or get (something) by coaxing:
   [~ + object + from + object] to coax a secret from someone.
3. [~ + object] to maneuver into a desired position by careful handling:
   He coaxed the large chair through the tiny door.

coax•er, n. [countable]
coax•ing•ly, adv.: 

He spoke coaxingly to the cat.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

coax¹  (kōks), v.t. 

1. to attempt to influence by gentle persuasion, flattery, etc.;
   cajole:
   He coaxed her to sing, but she refused.
2. to obtain by coaxing:
   We coaxed the secret from him.
3. to manipulate to a desired end by adroit handling or persistent effort:
   He coaxed the large chair through the door.
4. [Obs.]
   • to fondle.
   • to fool;
     deceive.

v.i. 

5. to use gentle persuasion.

• verb, verbal use of cokes fool (now obsolete), perh. variant of coxcomb 1580–90

coax′er, n. 
coax′ing•ly, adv. 

co•ax²  (kō aks′, kō′aks), n. [Elect.]

1. Electricity See coaxial cable. 

• by shortening 1945–50