Duress Meaning
/djʊˈɹɛs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounHarsh treatment.
nounConstraint by threat.
Sentence Examples
This contract was signed under duress and is therefore null and void.
Yanni's personality changed because he was under such duress.
CEFR Practice Quiz
He signed the contract under ____, threatened by the armed men.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
This contract was signed under ____ and is therefore null and void.
Word Origin & History
Inherited from Middle English duresse, from Old French duresse, from Latin dūritia (“hardness”), from dūrus (“hard”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[…]the agreements[…]made with their landlords, during the time of ſlavery, are only the effect of dureſſe and force;[…]."
— 1790 November, Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France, and on the Proceedings in Certain Societies in London Relative to that Event. […], London: […] J[ames] Dodsley, […], →OCLC, page 323:
"It is unclear when it was filmed and if she was under duress during filming."
— 2023 October 17, Kim Willsher, “Mother of French-Israeli hostage begs for her return as Hamas releases video”, in The Guardian, →ISSN:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He signed the contract under ____, threatened by the armed men.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
This contract was signed under ____ and is therefore null and void.