Duress

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdjʊəˌrɛs/ or /dʊˈrɛs/

Definitions

• The use of force, threats, or intimidation to make someone do something against their will.
• A situation where someone is compelled to act under coercion or pressure, often due to threats of harm or violence.

Usage Examples

• He confessed to the crime under duress, claiming he was forced into it by threats of harm.
• The contract was signed under duress, and therefore, it may not be legally binding.
• The defendant argued that he acted under duress, fearing for his life.

Etymology

The word "duress" comes from the Old French "duresse," which means "hardship, severity." It is derived from the Latin "duritia," meaning "hardness" or "stiffness," which comes from "durus," meaning "hard." The modern sense of "duress" emerged in the late 14th century to refer to physical or psychological coercion.

Synonyms

• Coercion
• Compulsion
• Pressure
• Intimidation
• Threats
• Force

Antonyms

• Freedom
• Consent
• Volition
• Autonomy
• Choice

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the pronunciation of "duress" may slightly differ based on local accents. The English pronunciation is typically /dʊˈrɛs/, while in other languages, it may be pronounced with varying emphasis or sound quality depending on regional phonetic rules.

Historical Usage

The term "duress" has been used for centuries, originating from the concept of coercion or constraint, and it is often used in legal contexts to describe situations where individuals are forced to act against their will. The term gained prominence in English law as part of contract law, where a contract signed under duress may be considered invalid.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the concept of duress has a more nuanced meaning, often involving not just physical coercion, but also psychological or emotional manipulation. For example, in some societies, duress can also encompass situations of familial or societal pressure, which may not involve overt threats of harm but still result in actions taken under great stress.

More Information

Duress is a key concept in both criminal law and contract law. In criminal law, a defendant may argue that they acted under duress as a defense to a charge, claiming that they were forced to commit a crime under threat of harm. In contract law, duress can render an agreement voidable, as one party may not have freely consented to the terms. The broader legal understanding of duress helps protect individuals from being coerced into actions they would otherwise not have taken.