duress

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

noun

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

   Synonyms: pressure, intimidation

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

Tatum's defence lawyers claimed these later statements had been obtained under duress.

Read more on BBC

While some critics see the resignations as a timely reckoning for the once-beloved state institution, others have suggested they are a result of duress from right-wing detractors and the United States.

Read more on Barron's

“Die My Love” seeks the eternal relevance of a film like “A Woman Under the Influence,” which so achingly portrays a mother’s undying love for her children amidst psychological duress.

Read more on Salon

Prince Harry joked that he was "under duress" when he wore the bright blue cap during the epic Game 4 of the World Series in Los Angeles.

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The current financial duress hasn’t directly affected undergrads, student leaders said, though the future of graduate programs and the university’s principles does color campus conversations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• coercion