Duress — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /du̇-ˈres/ du·ress

Meaning & Definition of Duress

Duress (noun)

  1. forcible restraint or restriction
  2. compulsion by threat; specifically, unlawful constraint

Duress (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the use of power to impose one's will on another

    "complied with the order only under duress"

    similar: arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, force, pressure
    related: browbeating, bulldozing, bullying, fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence, squeeze, squeeze play, might, muscle, potency, puissance, strength, hardheadedness, self-will, willfulness, strain, stress
    near: agreement, approval, consent, permission, convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Duress

The most common words with a similar meaning to Duress:

arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, force, pressure

Related Words for Duress

browbeating, bulldozing, bullying, fear, intimidation, menace, sword, terror, terrorism, threat, violence, squeeze, squeeze play, might, muscle, potency, puissance, strength, hardheadedness, self-will, willfulness, strain, stress

Near Antonyms of Duress

agreement, approval, consent, permission, convincing, persuasion, reason, suasion

Origin & Etymology of Duress

Middle English duresse, from Anglo-French duresce hardness, severity, from Latin duritia, from durus see during

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Duress

What does "Duress" mean?

"Duress" means forcible restraint or restriction. As a noun, it is defined as: forcible restraint or restriction.

What is another word for "Duress"?

Other words for "Duress" include arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, force and pressure. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Duress" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Duress"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Duress". Common alternatives include arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, force and pressure.

How do you use "Duress" in a sentence?

Examples of "Duress" in a sentence: "complied with the order only under duress".

Is "Duress" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Duress" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Duress"?

"Duress" is pronounced /du̇-ˈres/ and divided into syllables as du·ress.

What is the origin of the word "Duress"?

"Duress" comes from Middle English duresse, from Anglo-French duresce hardness, severity, from Latin duritia, from durus see during. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Duress" meaning "the use of power to impose one's will on another"?

When "Duress" (noun) means the use of power to impose one's will on another, synonyms include arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, force and pressure.