cajoler

Cajoler is a verb that describes the act of persuading someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery. It involves using gentle, persistent, and often affectionate language to convince or wheedle a person into compliance. This can range from friendly encouragement to more manipulative attempts to gain favor. The term often implies a degree of charm or skill in the persuasion process.

Someone who cajoles might employ a variety of tactics. These can include making appealing suggestions, offering small incentives, or appealing to the person's desires or sentiments. The goal is to wear down resistance through repeated, soft-spoken requests or compliments. While cajoling can sometimes be used for benign purposes, such as encouraging a child to eat their vegetables, it can also be employed in more self-serving ways, where the cajoler seeks to gain an advantage or get someone to agree to something they might not otherwise. The effectiveness of cajoling depends on the relationship between the individuals and the receptiveness of the person being persuaded.