Definitions for: Duress

[n] compulsory force or threat; "confessed under duress"

Webster (1913) Definition: Du"ress, n. [OF. duresse, du?, hardship, severity, L.
duritia, durities, fr. durus hard. See Dure.]
1. Hardship; constraint; pressure; imprisonment; restraint of
liberty.

The agreements . . . made with the landlords during
the time of slavery, are only the effect of duress
and force. --Burke.

2. (Law) The state of compulsion or necessity in which a
person is influenced, whether by the unlawful restrain of
his liberty or by actual or threatened physical violence,
to incur a civil liability or to commit an offense.

Du*ress", v. t.
To subject to duress. ``The party duressed.'' --Bacon.

See Also: force

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