distress

[dɪˈstres]

distress Definition

  • 1extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
  • 2the state of a ship or aircraft being in danger or difficulty and needing help

Using distress: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "distress" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The news of her father's death caused her great distress.

  • Example

    The company is in financial distress.

  • Example

    The ship sent out a distress signal when it started sinking.

  • Example

    The hiker was in distress and needed medical attention.

distress Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for distress

Antonyms for distress

Idioms Using distress

  • a euphemism for the need to urinate or defecate

    Example

    Excuse me, I need to answer the distress call of nature.

  • a feeling of hunger or discomfort due to lack of food

    Example

    I haven't eaten all day and my stomach is sending out distress signals.

  • a purchase made out of necessity rather than desire, often due to an emergency or urgent need

    Example

    I had to make a distress purchase of a new tire after getting a flat on the highway.

Phrases with distress

  • a signal sent out by a person or vehicle in danger or difficulty, requesting immediate assistance

    Example

    The pilot made a distress call before the plane crashed.

  • a sale of property or goods at a low price because the seller needs money urgently

    Example

    The company had to hold a distress sale to raise funds.

  • a visual or audible signal indicating that a person or vehicle is in danger or difficulty and requiring immediate assistance

    Example

    The ship sent out a distress signal when it started sinking.

Origins of distress

from Old French 'destresse', meaning 'anguish, hardship'

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Summary: distress in Brief

The term 'distress' [dɪˈstres] refers to extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain, as well as the state of a ship or aircraft being in danger or difficulty. Examples include 'The news of her father's death caused her great distress.' and 'The ship sent out a distress signal when it started sinking.' Phrases like 'distress call' and idioms like 'distress signal of the stomach' further illustrate the concept of needing help or experiencing discomfort.

How do native speakers use this expression?