distress

US /dɪˈstrɛs/

UK /dɪ'stres/

B1

noun

  • State of great sadness, anxiety or pain
  • Condition of danger or emergency
  • State of lacking money and basic needs
  • The seizure of someone’s property in order to obtain payment of rent or other money owed.
  • Condition of physical illness, pain or suffering

verb

  • To cause someone anxiety or sadness
  • To be in financial trouble

other

  • To cause suffering to.
  • To seize (goods) to satisfy a debt.

other

  • Great suffering of body or mind.
  • A state of danger or desperate need.

Examples

the distress that she felt when her parents argued The animals suffer great pain and distress when hunted.

The sinking ship sent out a distress call.