coax
KOHKSverbMeaning to persuade gently and patiently
Memory hook COAX: “Come on, come on…” gently. The kitten is stuck high in the tree, so Lila holds up a treat and speaks softly, “Come on, sweetie,” until it creeps down: she coaxes it.
Lila coaxed the frightened kitten out from under the porch with a little tuna.
In context The old engine would not start at first, but after twenty minutes of patient tinkering, the mechanic coaxed it back to life.
Similar persuade, sweet-talk, wheedle
Opposite force, compel