distress

dis-tress · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

  2. 2.

    A state of danger or desperate need.

  3. 3.

    Physical pain or discomfort.

  4. 4.

    To cause anxiety, sorrow, or pain to someone.

Forms

plural: distresses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    In distress — In a state of extreme need or danger.
  • •
    Distress signal — A call for help, especially at sea.
  • •
    Emotional distress — Psychological suffering.
  • •
    Damsel in distress — A woman in danger needing rescue (often used ironically).

Related words

Antonyms: comfort, ease, peace, relief
See also: anguish, distressed, stress
Synonyms: anguish, pain, suffering, trouble

Etymology

From Old French destresse ("anguish, distress"), from Vulgar Latin districtia, from Latin districtus, past participle of distringere ("to draw apart, hinder"). Related to distrain.