What is the term for the method of removing one's free will in making a decision through threats?

The term that refers to the method of removing one’s free will in making a decision through threats is "duress." When a person is under duress, they are coerced into a decision or action against their will, typically due to the fear of harm or the threat of negative consequences. This can involve physical threats, emotional manipulation, or the pressure of circumstances that compel an individual to act in a way that they would not do freely.

While coercion also involves the use of threats or pressure to influence someone’s choices, duress specifically emphasizes the illegal or unethical nature of the influence, highlighting the lack of genuine consent. This distinction is crucial in legal contexts, where duress can render contracts void or arguments invalid, as genuine agency is compromised.

Intimidation can also involve fear or threats but does not always result in a decision being forced in the same way that duress does. Consent, on the other hand, implies that a person is voluntarily agreeing without any undue pressure or threat, which is contrary to the condition described by duress.