In Terrorem

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IN TERROREM

[Latin, In fright or terror; by way of a threat.] A description of a legacy or gift given by will with the condition that the donee must not challenge the validity of the will or other testament.

Conditions of such nature, labeled in terrorem clauses, are ordinarily regarded as threats, since the potential loss of the gift is thought to provoke fear or dread of litigation over the will in the recipient.