distress, suffering, misery, agony mean the state of being in great trouble. distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

DISTRESS definition: great pain, anxiety, or sorrow; acute physical or mental suffering; affliction; trouble. See examples of distress used in a sentence.

Distress is the state of being in extreme danger and needing urgent help. He expressed concern that the ship might be in distress. The constable received a distress call, and saw two youths …

DISTRESS meaning: 1. a feeling of extreme worry, sadness, or pain: 2. a situation in which you are suffering or are…. Learn more.

Definition of distress noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Define distress. distress synonyms, distress pronunciation, distress translation, English dictionary definition of distress. tr.v. dis·tressed , dis·tress·ing , dis·tress·es 1. To cause strain, anxiety, or …

Distress is a state of extreme emotional suffering, anxiety, or sorrow, often due to adverse circumstances, events, or situations. It can also refer to physical pain or a condition of danger or …

The ship was in distress. [=the ship was possibly going to sink] The Coast Guard responded to the ship's distress signal/call. [=signal or call for help]

Feb 23, 2026 · distress (third-person singular simple present distresses, present participle distressing, simple past and past participle distressed) To cause strain or anxiety to someone.

Apr 15, 2026 · Distress often comes with a sense of helplessness or inevitability. You might feel like you’re just enduring rather than participating. That emotional tone—of being trapped or drained—is a …