What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coercement
Example
The suspect was arrested for coercing witnesses to change their testimonies. [coercing: verb]
Example
The company used coercement to make employees work overtime without proper compensation. [coercement: noun]
duress
Example
The confession was made under duress, as the suspect was threatened with harm. [duress: noun]
Example
She signed the contract under duress, fearing the consequences if she refused. [duress: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Duress is more commonly used than coercement, especially in legal contexts. Duress is a recognized term in the legal field, while coercement is less frequently employed in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coercement and duress?
Both coercement and duress have formal connotations due to their association with legal proceedings and violations of rights. However, duress is more commonly used in formal settings, while coercement can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
