verb
cajole
kuh-JOHL/kəˈdʒəʊl/
To persuade someone through flattery or gentle urging.
The friend cajoles the reluctant man into accepting the karaoke microphone.
Etymology
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.
In context
I had to uh cajole the nurse into giving me a cigarette. She used to bring in one a day
More examples
- They cajoled him with compliments until he agreed.
- No amount of cajoling persuaded the child to leave the playground.
- He tried to cajole a better seat from the usher.
Forms
cajole · cajoles · cajoled · cajoling
cajolery noun — Flattering or gently persistent persuasion.
Similar words
- coerce
- Uses threats or force, while cajole relies on flattery and coaxing.