Distress

Definition

Distress refers to extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It can also describe a state of danger or difficulty requiring urgent help or assistance.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈstrɛs/
• Respelling: dih-STRES

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈstrɛs/
• Respelling: dih-STRES

The pronunciation of "distress" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "distress" comes from the Old French word "destresce," meaning "oppression or affliction," which in turn comes from the Latin "districtus," meaning "compelled or held back." The term evolved in Middle English to describe physical or emotional suffering and has retained this meaning into modern times.

Derivatives

• Distressed (adjective)
• Distressing (adjective)
• Distressingly (adverb)
• Distressor (noun)
• Undistressed (adjective)

Synonyms

• Anxiety
• Anguish
• Suffering

Antonyms

• Comfort
• Relief
• Calm

Usage

The term "distress" is used in various contexts, such as emotional, medical, and legal. It describes emotional suffering or physical pain and can also refer to a critical situation that requires immediate assistance, such as a distress signal. In a legal sense, distress can also refer to the seizure of property to compel the payment of debts.

Related Terms

• Anguish: Severe mental or physical pain.
• Trauma: Emotional or physical injury.
• Grief: Intense sorrow, especially caused by death.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain: Describes emotional or physical suffering.
  • Example: "She was in great distress after hearing the news."
• A state of danger or urgent need for help: Refers to a situation requiring immediate assistance, often used in a nautical or aviation context.
  • Example: "The ship sent out a distress signal after hitting the iceberg."

Verb

• To cause someone anxiety, sorrow, or pain: Refers to the act of making someone feel distressed.
  • Example: "The news greatly distressed him."
• To subject something to strain or difficulty: Often used to describe materials or objects that are intentionally damaged or weathered.
  • Example: "They distressed the furniture to give it a vintage look."