What does cajole mean?
"Cajole" is a verb meaning to persuade someone to do something through persistent coaxing, flattery, or gentle charm rather than force or straightforward argument. A person might cajole a child into eating vegetables, cajole a colleague into taking on an extra shift, or cajole a friend out of a sulk. Unlike simple persuasion, cajoling suggests a degree of insincerity — the persuader relies on sweetness, praise, or playful manipulation rather than honest reasoning. For this reason, the word often carries a mildly disapproving tone, though it can also describe harmless, affectionate coaxing among family and friends. It entered English in the seventeenth century from French, where its deeper origins remain uncertain. Common patterns include "cajole someone into doing something" and "cajole something out of someone." Related nouns include "cajolery," meaning the practice of coaxing or flattering.
verbTo persuade someone to do something by persistent coaxing, flattery, or gentle insincerity rather than by force or direct request.
- To persuade someone by flattery, coaxing, or gentle deceit.
- (Less commonly) To obtain something from someone by such persuasion.
"She managed to cajole her brother into lending her the car for the weekend."
"The salesman tried to cajole the couple into upgrading to the premium package."
"With tea and warm words, she cajoled him out of his bad mood."
"Cajole" may trace its roots all the way back to the Latin word for "cage" — as if sweet-talk were a way of luring someone inside one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cajole
"Cajole" was borrowed into English from French in the early seventeenth century, from the French verb "cajoler," which meant to chatter like a bird or to coax. Its further origins are uncertain, though some etymologists have linked it to Old French "gaiole" or "jaiole" (a cage), ultimately derived from Latin "cavea." English speakers have used the word since at least the 1600s, and the noun "cajolery" developed later from the same source.
Related word forms
How cajole is actually used
Register is neutral to slightly informal. The word often carries a mild negative connotation — it implies the persuasion is not entirely sincere — but can be used affectionately for harmless, good-natured coaxing. It typically takes the pattern "cajole someone into (doing) something" or "cajole something out of someone."
Easily confused with cajole
Coax means to gently persuade through patience and kindness, while cajole carries a stronger suggestion of flattery or insincere charm used to manipulate.