duress

[ doo-res, dyoo-, door-is, dyoor- ]

noun

1. compulsion by threat or force; coercion; constraint.

   Synonyms: intimidation, pressure

2. Law. such constraint or coercion as will render void a contract or other legal act entered or performed under its influence.
3. forcible restraint, especially imprisonment.

duress

/ djʊə-; djʊˈrɛs /

noun

1. compulsion by use of force or threat; constraint; coercion (often in the phrase under duress )
2. law the illegal exercise of coercion
3. confinement; imprisonment

Word History and Origins

Origin of duress¹

1275–1325; Middle English duresse < Middle French duresse, -esce, -ece < Latin dūritia hardness, harshness, oppression, equivalent to dūr ( us ) hard + -itia -ice

Word History and Origins

Origin of duress¹

C14: from Old French duresse, from Latin dūritia hardness, from dūrus hard

Example Sentences

Supt Doug Downing said exploitation can take many forms, with the crimes being committed by those under duress extending from "drug dealing right the way through to high-value thefts and violence".

From BBC

Poverty puts parents under constant duress, as they fear eviction; hunger; having the lights, telephone or heat shut off; or losing income or their job if they stay home with a sick child.

From Salon

The data also fails to accurately represent people who leave their home but, whether by duress or by choice, remain within their countries, she said.

From Salon

The police officer told the court Mr Morrow’s solicitor had said he was under duress but wouldn’t elaborate on this during interview.

From BBC

“There are countless examples where people have acted under duress and performed functions to simply survive,” she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• coercion