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Definition of duress

duress

/dʊˈrɛs/
du · ress
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duress Lexical Profile

duress Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Threats, violence, constraints, or other unlawful pressure used to compel someone to do something against their will or better judgment.

Example

"The judge ruled that the contract was void because the defendant had signed it under duress."

2

Forcible restraint or imprisonment (archaic or formal legal).

Example

"Historical records show that the political envoy was held in strict duress for several months before his release."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for duress
Antonyms
View all antonyms for duress

Word Nuance & Usage

'Duress' is used almost exclusively in the prepositional phrase 'under duress' (especially in legal and formal contexts) to indicate that someone was forced to act against their will.

• Rhymes for duress

• Nearby Words

duranta
duration
durban
duress
durian
during
durum

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'duresce' (hardness, severity, oppression), from Latin 'duritia' (hardness), derived from 'durus' (hard).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Duress. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/duress
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