duress

 
Pronunciation: /djʊ(ə)ˈrɛs, ˈdjʊərɛs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • threats, violence, constraints, or other action used to coerce someone into doing something against their will or better judgement: confessions extracted under duress
  • Law constraint illegally exercised to force someone to perform an act.
  • archaic forcible restraint or imprisonment.

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'harshness, severity, cruel treatment'): via Old French from Latin duritia, from durus 'hard'

Spelling help

Spell duress with one r and a double s.