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1. Dictionary

   Dis·tress

   /dəˈstres/

   

   noun

   • 1. extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain: "to his distress he saw that she was trembling" Similar anguishsufferingpainagonyacheafflictiontormenttorturediscomfortheartacheheartbreakmiserywretchednesssorrowgriefwoesadnessunhappinessdesolationdespairtroubleworryanxietyperturbationuneasinessdisquietangstOpposite happinesscomfort
   • ▪ the state of a ship or aircraft when in danger or difficulty and needing help: "vessels in distress on or near the coast" Similar dangerperildifficultytroublejeopardyriskhazardendangermentimperilmentinsecurityinstabilityprecariousnessOpposite safety
   • ▪ suffering caused by lack of money or the basic necessities of life: "the poor were helped in their distress" Similar hardshipadversitytribulationmisfortuneill/bad lucktroublecalamitypovertydeprivationprivationdestitutionindigenceimpoverishmentpenuryneedwantlackbeggarydire straitsOpposite prosperitycomfort
   • ▪ a state of physical strain, exhaustion, or, in particular, breathing difficulty: "they said the baby was in distress"
   • 2. another term for distraint

   verb

   • 1. cause (someone) anxiety, sorrow, or pain: "I didn't mean to distress you" Similar cause anguish tocause suffering topainupsetmake miserablemake wretchedgrievesaddentroubleworrybotherarouse anxiety inperturbdisturbdisquietagitatevexharrowtormenttortureafflictrackcurseoppressplaguedoginformal:cut upOpposite calmsootheplease
   • 2. give (furniture, leather, or clothing) simulated marks of age and wear: "the manner in which leather jackets are industrially distressed" Similar ageseasonconditionmellowweathersimulate age indamagespoildentscratchchipbatterOpposite restore

   Word Origin Middle English: from Old French destresce (noun), destrecier (verb), based on Latin distringere ‘stretch apart’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. distressful adjective

   Scrabble Points: 9

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2. People also ask

   What does it mean if a person is distressed?

   • The noun distress refers to a state of severe anxiety or strain, often brought about by failing to study for an exam, harassing grizzly bears, or borrowing your sister's clothes without asking. When used as a verb, to distress means to cause all that pain, suffering and anxiety — in other words, to stress somebody out. "Distress."

   Distress - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/distress

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   What does distress mean in a sentence?

   • Other forms: distressed; distressing; distresses If you are in distress, you are in trouble. You're hurting — either physically or mentally. See the word stress hanging out at the end of distress? There's a good reason for that.

   Distress - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/distress

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   What is the difference between suffering and distress?

   • 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. suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress. misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

   Distress Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distress

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3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › distressDistress Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › distress

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   Learn the various meanings and uses of the word distress as a noun, verb, and adjective. Find synonyms, examples, etymology, and related phrases for distress.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › english › distressDISTRESS | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › english › distress

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   Distress is a noun or verb that means extreme worry, sadness, or pain, or a situation of urgent need or danger. Learn how to use distress in different contexts, such as law, finance, or business, with examples and synonyms.

5. Videos

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     Distress | Meaning of distress

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     vocabulary.com

     Distress - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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6. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishDISTRESS | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

   • Cached

   Distress is a noun or verb that means extreme worry, sadness, or pain, or a situation of urgent need or danger. Learn how to use distress in different contexts, such as law, business, or psychology, with examples and synonyms.

7. www.dictionary.com › browse › distressDISTRESS Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › distress

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

8. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › distressDistress - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › distress

   The noun distress refers to a state of severe anxiety or strain, often brought about by failing to study for an exam, harassing grizzly bears, or borrowing your sister's clothes without asking. When used as a verb, to distress means to cause all that pain, suffering and anxiety — in other words, to stress somebody out.

9. dictionary.apa.org › distressAPA Dictionary of Psychology

   dictionary.apa.org › distress

   Apr 19, 2018 · distress. Updated on 04/19/2018. n. the negative stress response, often involving negative affect and physiological reactivity: a type of stress that results from being overwhelmed by demands, losses, or perceived threats.

10. www.collinsdictionary.com › english › distressDISTRESS definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

    www.collinsdictionary.com › english › distress

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    3 days ago · Distress is a state of extreme sorrow, suffering, or pain, or the state of being in extreme danger and needing urgent help. It can also be a verb meaning to cause mental or physical pain, trouble, or strain, or a legal term for seizing property as security for a debt.