Cajol

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

  1. To persuade someone to do something by flattery or gentle urging | To coax or entice someone into a specific action through sweet talk | To influence someone to act favorably by using charm or insincere promises
  2. To influence an individual to take a desired action through persuasive flattery or gentle encouragement while appealing to their emotions
  3. To entice someone into compliance or agreement by using charm, soft persuasion, or appealing rhetoric to win their favor

Etymology: The verb in question traces its roots to the French word "cajoler," which means "to coax" or "to cajole." This French term itself emerged in the early modern period, likely in the 17th century, and is thought to derive from "cajoler," a playful or diminutive form connected with the word "cage." The metaphor here is of trapping or enticing someone gently, as one might coax a bird from a cage, using flattery or gentle persuasion rather than force. This idea of coaxing or persuading through soft words or promises extended into English as the verb appeared in the 18th century. It carried with it the sense of flattery and insincere or elaborate persuasion to get someone to do something they might not want to do otherwise. The notion of seduction through speech rather than direct command or coercion became central to its meaning. Interestingly, the term also bears a faint connection to "jolly," through the shared idea of pleasant or agreeable interaction, though the roots are different. Over time, the verb’s usage expanded to describe not only mild persuasion but also the more manipulative or sly forms of urging someone, often implying a degree of insincerity beneath the friendly exterior. By the 19th century, the word was firmly established in English with the meaning we recognize today, embodying the art of wheedling or coaxing by cajolery — the act of persuading through charm and flattery. Its journey from a literal cage metaphor in French to a subtle interpersonal tactic in English captures a shift from physical to psychological influence.

Synonyms: coax, persuade, sweet-talk, entice, wheedle

Antonyms: dissuade, discourage, repel, alienate, turn off