duress
Definitions
Threats or force used to make someone do something against their will
胁迫，强迫
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin dūritia (hardness, harshness) via Old French. Duress is the 'hard' pressure someone puts on you to force your hand. The physical hardness of the root turned into the idea of coercion: when you act 'under duress,' a hard force is bending your will.
Root dur still carries 9 more wordsUsage Guide
duress is almost always used in the fixed phrase 'under duress' and belongs to formal/legal register. It describes acting because you're forced, not freely. Don't confuse with 'distress' (suffering, anxiety) — they sound similar but mean very different things.
Example Sentences
- 1.
He later claimed the confession was made under duress.
- 2.
A contract signed under duress is not legally binding.
- 3.
The hostages acted under duress throughout the ordeal.