Definition

1. Noun:
   • Compulsory force or threat: "Duress" refers to the use of force, coercion, or threats to compel someone to act against their will. It implies pressure that overcomes a person's free choice.

Usage

• "Duress" is an uncountable noun. It is typically used in formal or legal contexts to describe situations where someone is forced to do something.
• Common patterns include:
  • under duress: This is the most frequent collocation, meaning "while being forced or threatened."
  • to do something under duress
  • to confess/sign/agree under duress

Examples

• The court ruled that the contract was signed under duress and was therefore invalid.
• The hostage provided the information under duress.
• He claimed his confession was made under duress and should not be admitted as evidence.

Advanced Usage

• Economic duress: A specific legal concept where unfair financial pressure is used to force an agreement.
  • The supplier argued they signed the new terms under economic duress.
• Moral duress: Pressure arising from a sense of moral obligation or threat to one's reputation, though this is less common in strict legal terms.

Variants and Related Words

• Coercion (n): The practice of persuading someone to do something by using force or threats. (A close synonym, often used interchangeably in legal contexts).
• Compulsion (n): The action or state of being forced to do something.
• Intimidation (n): The action of frightening or threatening someone to make them do something.

Synonyms

• Coercion
• Compulsion
• Pressure
• Constraint
• Force

Related Phrases

• To act under duress: To do something because one is forced to.
  • Witnesses testified that the defendant acted under duress.
• Duress of imprisonment: A legal phrase referring to coercion involving the threat of jail.

Noun

1. compulsory force or threat
   • confessed under duress