duress
What does "duress" mean?
Duress refers to the state of being forced or threatened into doing something against your own will. The mental image is that of a person being physically or psychologically pressured—like someone holding a heavy weight over you or cornering you—to force a signature, a confession, or an act you would otherwise refuse. In legal contexts, it is a specific defense used to argue that a contract or crime is void because the person acted only because they feared for their safety or wellbeing. Outside of court, it is often used in a slightly hyperbolic way to describe feeling extreme pressure, such as "working under duress," though it technically implies an external threat rather than just stress.
"duress" in conversation
Legal consultation
Did you sign this contract voluntarily?
Did you sign this contract voluntarily?
No, they threatened to ruin my business if I didn't.
No, they threatened to ruin my business if I didn't.
That sounds like a clear case of duress.
That sounds like a clear case of duress.
Used here to describe legal coercion.
Office deadline
Are you still working? It’s past midnight.
Are you still working? It’s past midnight.
I'm working under duress; the boss said I'm fired if this report isn't done.
I'm working under duress; the boss said I'm fired if this report isn't done.
Used hyperbolically to emphasize extreme workplace pressure.
"duress" in a sentence
The witness claimed she was under duress when she gave her statement.
The witness claimed she was under duress when she gave her statement.
Contracts signed under duress are generally considered unenforceable in a court of law.
Contracts signed under duress are generally considered unenforceable in a court of law.
He maintained that his confession was obtained through physical duress and intimidation by the interrogators.
He maintained that his confession was obtained through physical duress and intimidation by the interrogators.
