duress
Threats or coercion used to force someone to act
Examples
In a meeting
“The contract was signed under duress and may not be legally binding.”
Over coffee
“I only agreed to karaoke under duress from my friends.”
Why this word
pressure
duress specifically means coercion through threats or force that negates free will, while pressure is general influence that may or may not be coercive
coercion
duress emphasizes threats or force used to compel action (especially legally significant), while coercion is broader persuasion through intimidation
force
duress implies compulsion through threats that remove voluntary choice, while force can be physical compulsion without the legal implications
Usage tip
Use when someone is forced to act against their will through pressure or threats
Etymology
Latin — from 'duritia' (hardness), from 'durus' (hard), through Old French 'duresse'
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Related words
contradict
To state the opposite or deny the truth of something
pushback
Resistance or objection to an idea or plan
appease
To pacify or satisfy someone by giving in to their demands
impasse
A deadlock where no progress is possible
conciliatory
Intended to gain goodwill or reduce hostility
defuse
To reduce the danger or tension in a situation