cajoler

to coax or wheedle

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A compact three-moment karaoke sequence shows a reluctant man yielding to a friend's warm, gently persistent coaxing: refusal, an exaggerated but friendly pleading gesture, then smiling acceptance of the microphone.

verb

cajole

kuh-JOHL/kəˈdʒəʊl/

To persuade someone through flattery or gentle urging.

Etymology

cajoleFrenchto coax or wheedle

Cajoler already meant to coax or wheedle. Its origin is uncertain, but a proposed blend of “chatter like a jay” and “entice into a cage” suggests persuasive talk as a kind of lure.

Full entry

Related word entries

cajole