duress

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "duress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is coerced by physical or psychological force. For example, "The victim was forced to sign the contract under duress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we have graphic quotes to prove that Labor only turned back to Rudd under the most extreme duress - constant and unwavering polling indicating almost certain political oblivion.

The Guardian

Gabry said that the initial trial also failed to investigate claims that the defendants had produced testimony under duress, and as a result "the court of cassation is unable to show how right or wrong the verdict is".

The Guardian

"Mr Vice President I know you are under duress to turn things around," says Ryan. Tsk, tsk, tsk, who's sounding defensive now then?

The Guardian

The looting of art can mean different things, from the Gestapo taking it off the walls, as in the film, or a sale carried out under duress, which can mean a much more difficult case.

The Guardian - Arts

The group is considered the embodiment of strategic focus, because it has whittled its holdings down to just nine main businesses.Terence Gomez, a Malaysian academic, points out that most firms in the region have restructured only under duress.

The Economist

What form these outflows will take, which region will suffer more, depends on each region's financial vulnerabilities, and how their politicians are expected to operate under duress.

The Economist

Held against her will, and very afraid, so she agrees under duress.

The Economist

At times of duress, they can sound suspiciously like a mobster's "cough up or else" ("or else" meaning severe share-dilution).But these are not normal times.

The Economist

Those who do keep their jobs blog bitterly about meagre bonuses and relocations under duress ("It's Shanghai, Dubai, Mumbai or Bye-bye," as the saying goes).For although work has dried up in some areas mergers and acquisitions, structured finance, property and construction there is usually plenty of other business when the economy goes bad.

The Economist

In effect, that brings divorce law in England and Wales (Scotland is different) closer to America's, where prenuptial agreements are routine but can be challenged on grounds of unfairness, deceit, impending destitution or duress.

The Economist

So far, other European governments have wisely resisted following the French example of promising, under duress, to cut or rebate their fuel taxes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or contractual matters, use "duress" to precisely describe situations where agreements are made under threat or coercion. This term carries significant legal weight.

Common error

Avoid using "duress" to describe situations of mere inconvenience or mild pressure. "Duress" implies a severe threat that nullifies free will, not just a difficult situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "duress" is as a noun, typically used to describe a state or condition of being forced to act against one's will. Ludwig AI provides several examples demonstrating its use in describing situations involving coercion or threat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "duress" is a grammatically correct noun used to describe situations where someone is coerced into acting against their will. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in news, business, and legal settings. When using "duress", ensure the context involves a genuine threat that nullifies free will, distinguishing it from mere pressure or inconvenience. Be aware of related terms like "coercion" and "compulsion", and use "duress" precisely to convey the appropriate level of severity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under compulsion

Emphasizes the act of being forced to do something against one's will.

under coercion

Highlights the use of force or threats to make someone act in a certain way.

under pressure

Focuses on the stress and influence exerted on someone to make a decision or take action.

under threat

Specifies that the action is performed because of impending harm or negative consequences.

subject to constraint

Indicates limitations or restrictions imposed on someone's freedom or actions.

compelled by force

Focuses on the physical or overwhelming power used to enforce compliance.

forced into compliance

Highlights the act of being compelled to obey or conform to a particular demand or rule.

against one's will

Emphasizes that an action is performed unwillingly or without consent.

involuntary action

Highlights the lack of free choice in performing an action.

undue influence

Suggests an unfair or manipulative persuasion that affects someone's decision.

FAQs

How is "duress" typically used in a sentence?

Common constructions include "under duress", describing the state of being coerced, or referring to actions taken "under "undue influence"".

What legal implications does acting under "duress" have?

Actions taken under "duress" may be considered invalid in legal settings, especially in contract law or criminal defense, as it indicates a lack of voluntary consent or action.

Which situations qualify as "duress"?

"Duress" requires a credible and imminent threat that overcomes a person's free will. Mild discomfort or inconvenience does not constitute "duress".

What can I say instead of "under duress"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "under coercion", "under compulsion", or "against one's will".