Distress Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈdɪstrɪs/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A state or situation of great worry, anxiety, or emergency, often requiring immediate attention or action.

Examples

• The city was in distress after the hurricane destroyed many homes.
• The team was in distress during the soccer game when the coach got injured.

Synonyms

• Emergency
• Urgency
• Crisis

Antonyms

• Relief
• Peace
• Normalcy

Etymology

The word “distress” has its roots in Old French “distrès,” which means “to trouble” or “to afflict.” It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe a state of danger, anxiety, or emergency.

Additional Information

Distress can arise from a range of situations, including natural disasters, accidents, or personal crises. It can also refer to a state of physical or mental suffering, such as feelings of anxiety or depression. In some cases, distress may also be used to describe a situation that requires immediate attention or action, such as an emergency medical situation.

The concept of distress is often studied in fields such as psychology, sociology, and emergency management, where it is recognized as a critical component of understanding human behavior and response to crisis situations.

Usage Notes

When describing a state of distress, it is often important to use precise language to convey the level of urgency or severity. This can help to ensure that the right kind of response or support is provided. For example, a situation that is described as “distressing” may be less severe than one that is described as “emergency” or “life-threatening.”

Cultural References

The concept of distress has been explored in a wide range of cultural references, including literature, film, and music. For example, the phrase “distress signal” has been used in literature and film to describe the efforts of characters to call for help in times of crisis.

Idiomatic Expressions

• “In a state of distress” – used to describe someone who is in a state of great worry or anxiety.

Related Words or Phrases

• Crisis
• Emergency
• Emergency

Collocations

• Distressed child
• Distressed family
• Distressed situation

Frequency of Use

The word “distress” is commonly used in English language, particularly in situations where there is a need for immediate attention or action.

Common Misspellings

• Disstress
• Dristress