Duress refers to a situation where a person is forced to act against their will due to threats, violence, or other forms of coercion. This pressure can make individuals feel they have no choice but to comply with demands, which can lead to actions they would not normally take. In legal contexts, duress can affect the validity of contracts or criminal charges. If someone signs a contract or commits a crime under duress, they may argue that their actions were not voluntary, potentially leading to legal consequences for the coercing party.