noun
duress
dyuu-REHS
Duress (noun) means Pressure or threats used to force someone into doing something against their will. Example: “She signed the confession under duress, with an officer looming over her.”
noun
1
Pressure or threats used to force someone into doing something against their will.
"She signed the confession under duress, with an officer looming over her."
"The contract was ruled invalid because it had been signed under duress."
verb
1
To force someone into an action through threats or pressure.
"They tried to duress him into handing over the keys."
How to use duress
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing forced or pressured into something, usually through threats rather than physical violence.
Common mistake
Almost always used with "under" — "under duress" — rather than as a standalone verb, which is rare outside legal writing.
Common pairings
under duress
sign under duress
act under duress
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- duresses
- Past tense
- duressed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She signed the confession under _____, with an officer looming over her.
Etymology
From Old French duresse, "hardness," from Latin durus, "hard" — the same root that gives us "durable" and "endure."
Frequently asked questions
What does “duress” mean?
The word “duress” means pressure or threats used to force someone into doing something against their will. In plain terms, being forced or pressured into something, usually through threats rather than physical violence.
How do you pronounce “duress”?
“Duress” is pronounced dyuu-REHS (/duˈɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “duress” in a sentence?
Here is “duress” used in a sentence: “She signed the confession under duress, with an officer looming over her.”
What part of speech is “duress”?
Depending on how it is used, “duress” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “duress” come from?
The word “duress” comes from Latin. From Old French duresse, "hardness," from Latin durus, "hard" — the same root that gives us "durable" and "endure.".
How many meanings does “duress” have?
“Duress” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: pressure or threats used to force someone into doing something against their will.
