duress
/djʊˈɹɛs/
Group 23Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- Threats, violence, constraints, or other action used to coerce someone GRE
Example in Context
The court threw out the contract after determining that one party had signed under duress, fearing retaliation from the other.
Synonyms
pressurecoercionforce
Etymology
Under hardship or threats that force compliance.
- duress- (Latin) — hardship
Memory Aid
👗Sounds like “do dress”
When you DO DRESS under DURESS, it’s like being forced to wear a clown outfit to a funeral!
Visual Association
⚔️A person forced to wear a silly costume while being threatened by a group of stern-looking guards.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “duress” mean on the GRE?
duress (noun) means “Threats, violence, constraints, or other action used to coerce someone”. The court threw out the contract after determining that one party had signed under duress, fearing retaliation from the other.
How to remember “duress” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “duress” sounds like “do dress”. When you DO DRESS under DURESS, it’s like being forced to wear a clown outfit to a funeral!
What are synonyms for “duress”?
Common synonyms: pressure, coercion, force.