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DictionarycoaxGentle persuasion
verb

coax

KOHKS/kəʊks/

To persuade or bring about through gentle, patient effort.

The man coaxes the hesitant puppy out of its carrier with a treat.

A crouching man gently coaxes a hesitant puppy out of an open carrier by offering a treat, allowing the puppy to approach without touching or pulling it.
Etymology
cokesProbable sourceEnglisha fool or simpleton

Probably from cokes, “fool,” through coaxing or flattering treatment. The sequence of the early meanings is not certain.

In context

Zak George2:56
Training is a concept of training where we use a treat to coax our dog into a specific position
Dog Training 101: How to Train ANY DOG the Basics

More examples

  • We coaxed him into joining us for dinner.
  • Her silly faces coax a smile out of the baby.
  • He spends the morning coaxing the old engine to life.

Forms

coax · coaxes · coaxed · coaxing

Similar words

persuade
Broader; may involve reasoned arguments rather than gentle, patient encouragement.
cajole
Emphasizes flattery or appealing promises used to win cooperation.