distress

[dɪˈstres]

distress Definition

• 1. extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain
• 2. the 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

• anguish
• suffering
• pain
• agony
• torment

Antonyms for distress

• comfort
• relief

Idioms Using distress

• distress call of nature

  a euphemism for the need to urinate or defecate

  Example

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

• distress signal of the stomach

  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.

• distress purchase

  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

• distress call

  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.

• distress sale

  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.

• distress signal

  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.