26984 words

distress

6 definitions • 10 examples
1
a feeling of extreme worry, sadness, or pain:

Examples:

emotional distress She claimed that the way she had been treated at work had caused her extreme emotional and psychological distress.
Many of the horses were showing signs of distress at the end of the race.
2
a situation in which you are suffering or are in great danger and therefore in urgent need of help:

Examples:

in distress Six people were rescued by helicopter from a fishing boat in distress off the coast.
distress signal The term "mayday" is used as a distress signal by people who need help on a ship or an aircraft.
3
to make someone feel very upset or worried:

Examples:

I hope I haven't distressed you with all these personal questions.
4
great mental or physical suffering, such as extreme anxiety, sadness, or pain, or the state of being in danger or urgent need:

Examples:

emotional/financial distress
Four men were rescued from a fishing boat in distress off the coast.
5
the legal action of taking and selling another person’s property in order to get money for a payment or debt that they owe:

Examples:

make a distress A distress should be made for the whole rent in arrears; but if goods cannot be found at the time, the injured party may make a second distress.
6
financial failure, for example, not having enough money to pay back a debt or the costs of operating a business:

Examples:

Rising dependence on credit cards could be a sign of distress as some consumers borrow just to meet routine expenses.
economic/financial distress

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