Duress

Filed Under »
Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Duress'

The act of using force, false imprisonment, coercion, threats or psychological pressure to compel someone to act contrary to his or her wishes or interests. Duress is also used as a form of defense to a crime by a defendant who is compelled or coerced to commit the crime because they are under serious imminent harm to themselves  or others.

For example, if Bob makes unlawful threats or engages in a coercive behavior that causes his Aunt Sally to sign an agreement or execute a will against her will, then Bob is causing Aunt Sally to be "under duress."

Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Duress'

If duress is used to make a person commit a crime or do something against their will, the defendant in a criminal prosecution may raise the defense that others used duress to force him or her to take part in the crime.

Duress occurs when a person is prevented from acting (or not acting) according to free will. Forms of duress could fall under threatened physical harm or economic duress.

Related Definitions

Search results for

'Duress'

  • Avoid An Audit: 6 "Red Flags" You Should Know

    http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/avoid_audits.asp
    ... This means that taxpayers should value their goods at a point or price where a willing
    seller (who is under no duress) would be able to sell his property to a ...

  • 4 Characteristics Of Recession-Proof Companies

    http://www.investopedia.com/articles/fundamental-analysis/09/recession-proof-industries.asp
    ... conditions. Tutorial: Stock-Picking Strategies How Recessions Hurt Tough economic
    times turn risk into operational and financial duress. A ...

  • 6 Major Credit Card Mistakes

    http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/07/credit-card-donts.asp
    ... Pay More Than the Minimum Balance It's tempting to send in the minimum monthly payment
    (often $15 to $25) when you're under financial duress. Don't do it. ...

  • Finding Yield With Utilities

    http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2010/Finding-Yield-With-Utilities-XLU-IPU-GII-NGG0727.aspx
    ... It's easy to see why. Even in times of duress, people need to heat and cool
    their homes. They need the water and electricity flowing. ...

  • Take PacSun To The Fitting Room?

    http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2009/Take-PacSun-To-The-Fitting-Room-PSUN-GPS-AEO1119.aspx
    ... Although the domestic economy is under duress, it's expected to generate profits
    this year and next year, which is clearly a positive. ...

  • Utilities Are Still a Bargain

    http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2011/Utilities-Are-Still-a-Bargain-PUI-JXI-ALE-AGL-WTR0330.aspx
    ... It's easy to see why. Even in times of duress, people need to heat and cool
    their homes. They need the water and electricity flowing. ...

  • Playing America's Two Retail Classes

    http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2010/Playing-Americas-Two-Retail-Classes-PMR-TGT-COST-XLP0930.aspx
    ... With two years of financial duress behind us, one segment feels comfortable; this
    group has retained their jobs through the recession and has resumed spending ...

  • Four Outperforming ETFs

    http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2011/Four-Outperforming-ETFs-SPY-TLT-DBA-GLD-SLV0830.aspx
    ... It has strung together a relatively impressive month of August given the duress
    the rest of the market has been under. SLV is up 2.5% so far this month. ...

  • Four Stocks With Major Ties To Japan

    http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2011/Five-Stocks-With-Major-Ties-To-Japan-COH-AFL-OMG-VOLC-LBTYA-BLD-STAA0328.aspx
    ... The last thing investors needed was to see one third of the company's customers
    put under an amazing amount of duress. Volcano Corp. Volcano Corp. ...

  • Three Safe Sectors For The Summer

    http://stocks.investopedia.com/stock-analysis/2011/Three-Safe-Sectors-For-The-Summer-VDC-IDU-GII-XLV0711.aspx
    ... current turmoil. Even in times of duress, people need to heat and cool their
    homes. They need the water and electricity flowing. Both ...

Related Articles

Partner Links