Distressing Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪstrɛsɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Causing or full of distress, pain, or anxiety; troubling or worrying to the mind or emotions.

Examples

• The news of the accident was distressing to everyone in the community.
• The patient was in distress due to the severe pain from the injury.
• The teacher tried to reduce the distressing effect of the situation on the students.
• The politician apologized for the distressing remarks made during the speech.
• The music was so distressing that it stopped the party cold.

Synonyms

• Disturbing
• Alienating
• Painful

Antonyms

• Comforting
• Uplifting
• Reassuring

Etymology

From Old French ‘distreindre’, from Latin ‘distrahere’, from ‘dis-‘ (apart) + ‘trahere’ (to pull, draw).

Usage Notes

The word ‘distressing’ is often used to describe a situation or event that causes significant emotional pain or discomfort. It can also be used to describe something that is unpleasant or disturbing.

Cultural References

The term has been used in various contexts in popular culture, including literature, music, and film.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Familiar phrases include ‘causing distress’ or ‘full of distress’, suggesting that the word is frequently used in idiomatic expressions.

Related Words or Phrases

Words or phrases closely related in meaning to ‘distressing’ include ‘disturbing’, ‘troubling’, and ‘worrying’.

Collocations

Common collocations with ‘distressing’ include ‘news’, ‘experience’, and ‘situation’.

Frequency of Use

The word ‘distressing’ is frequently used in modern language, particularly in contexts where emotional pain or discomfort is being described.