1. pressure or constraint used to force someone to do something against their will
2. unlawful pressure used to make someone act against their free will
Usage: legal

Examples

• She signed the contract under duress after being threatened.
• The confession was obtained under duress and was ruled inadmissible.
• He claimed he acted under duress when his family was threatened.
• The witness testified that she had been under duress during the incident.
• The court determined that the agreement was signed under duress.
• No one should be forced to make decisions under duress.