duress
noun
also dyu̇-\
Definition of duress
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Synonyms for duress
Synonyms
arm-twisting, coercion, compulsion, constraint, force, pressure
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Examples of duress in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cousins was under duress more than most quarterbacks behind a faulty offensive line and that was the focus of the Vikings’ offseason. — Brad Biggs, chicagotribune.com, "A look at how the Bears’ NFC North rivals are shaping up for 2019," 4 Sep. 2019 While the victory didn’t lead to an AFC West title — which oddsmakers favor the Chiefs to retain, for their fourth crown in a row — performing well under duress can breed confidence and trust. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Philip Rivers, a year after finally beating Chiefs, resumes Super Bowl bid," 4 Sep. 2019 They were arrested almost two weeks after the bodies were found and originally confessed, only to later recant, saying their admissions of guilt were made under duress. — Helen Regan And Angie Puranasamriddhi, CNN, "Thailand's Supreme Court upholds death penalty for men convicted of murdering British backpackers," 29 Aug. 2019 The breakup hypothetical covers behavior under duress, involves a realistic situation, and adds the twist of your being upset with each other, not some safe third party. — Carolyn Hax, al, "Carolyn Hax: How can you know if you’re old enough to choose a life partner?," 18 Aug. 2019 In over his head, under duress, and tempted by his old weaknesses, Don soon discovers that the house has its own dark, sordid history and won’t be so easy to renovate after all. — Clark Collis, EW.com, "Girl on the Third Floor," 28 Aug. 2019 With De La Salle still only down a touchdown and back in Aquinas territory, quarterback Dorian Hale, who was under duress all night, threw a pass in the flat to Lu Magia Hearns on fourth down. — Darren Sabedra, The Mercury News, "Football: De La Salle stumbles, loses to St. Thomas Aquinas," 23 Aug. 2019 No wonder Sackhoff's face is almost always in duress. — Tim Goodman, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Another Life': TV Review," 22 July 2019 The 47-year-old had a suicide note in his pocket which said he was fed up of living a life under duress. — Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz India, "VG Siddhartha’s death puts the spotlight on a serious crisis among Indian entrepreneurs," 1 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'duress.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for duress
duress
nounFinancial Definition of duress
What It Is
Duress is pressure that one person or entity puts on another person to do something that he or she would normally not do.
How It Works
Let's say Artie owns a restaurant called Vesuvio. One day, a big bald guy comes into the place and tells Artie that he has to sign a contract to start buying linens from his friend or he'll "make life hard."
Artie, fearing that he'll be harmed physically or that the restaurant will be vandalized, agrees to buy linens from the friend, even though they cost twice as much as those from other distributors.
Artie has made the agreement under duress.
Why It Matters
Using force, false imprisonment, threats or psychological pressure to make someone do something he or she normally wouldn't do is illegal and can negate any contracts that result from duress.
Accordingly, in our example, if Artie were brave enough to stop buying the linens, he could tell the court that he signed the contract under duress.
Source: Investing Answers
duress
noun
English Language Learners Definition of duress
See the full definition for duress in the English Language Learners Dictionary
duress
noun
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Legal Definition of duress
Note: A person may be able to avoid the consequences of his or her acts under the law if they were performed while under duress. For example, a contract made under duress is voidable by the coerced party. Similarly, a will signed under duress is invalid. Duress may also be used to justify a criminal act.
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