WordGarden.iodurance
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /djˈɔːrəns/
US
Meanings
Noun
imprisonment or forced confinement
Beyond the definition
"Durance" isn't a word you hear every day, but it points to the harsh reality of being held captive. Think of dungeons, castles, and long years spent behind bars: that's where this word belongs. It's more than just being in jail; it suggests confinement that is long, hard, or both. Shakespeare and other older writers used this archaic term when describing the suffering of their characters. It doesn't refer to a short punishment, but to a lasting and often desperate state of imprisonment. You might say someone endured durance rather than simply served a sentence.
"Durance" is an old-fashioned word meaning imprisonment or confinement—a state of being held captive. It's not just about physical restriction; it carries a weight of hardship, duration, and often despair. While "prison" or "jail" are common terms for places of confinement, "durance" emphasizes the experience of captivity itself.
The word comes through Old French from a root meaning "to last" or "to endure," which fits the idea of confinement that drags on. It's rarely used in modern everyday speech, which gives it a literary and somewhat dramatic quality. You're far more likely to encounter it in historical fiction, poetry, or the famous phrase "durance vile," which refers to especially miserable or degrading imprisonment.
Shakespeare employed "durance" to heighten the emotional weight of his plays. For example, in Twelfth Night, the captain is held in "durance" at the suit of Malvolio. In Henry IV, Part 2, the character Pistol speaks of "base durance." These references aren't just about being locked away; they are about the suffering and loss of agency experienced during that time. Later writers, like Robert Burns, popularized the term "durance vile" to lament a state of hopeless captivity.
While you won't be booking a hotel with "durance" included, understanding this word unlocks a deeper appreciation for classic literature and historical narratives where captivity isn't just a location, but a defining, transformative experience. It's a reminder that confinement can shape a person, test their spirit, and leave lasting scars.
Examples
- 1
Old stories
In the old ballad, the knight spends years in durance before he is finally freed.
- 2
Old-fashioned phrase
By the end of the novel, the traitor is safely in durance vile.
- Usagein durance vile
in prison; very old-fashioned and often humorous
- 3
Humorous exaggeration
He joked that the long meeting had kept him in durance all afternoon.
- Usage
durance can be used humorously for being shut in somewhere
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- in durance vile
- held in durance
- kept in durance
Explore
- custody
- penal confinement
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- durancenoun