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Distraught Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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distraught

[dษชหˆstrษ”หt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Deeply upset and agitated.

Synonyms

agitated, distressed, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distraught

This word is best used when someone is extremely disturbed or worried, especially to the point where it seems they are losing their composure.

  • She was distraught after hearing the news about the accident.
  • He looked visibly distraught when he realized his mistake.
upset

This word is appropriate for general use to express someone who is unhappy or disappointed. It is less intense than 'distraught' or 'distressed' and can be used in a wide range of situations.

  • He was upset when his favorite team lost the game.
  • She seemed upset after reading the negative review.
distressed

This is suitable for describing a state of severe anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It's often used in more formal or serious situations.

  • The distressed mother searched desperately for her missing child.
  • He felt distressed after receiving the bad news from his doctor.
agitated

This word works well in situations where someone is visibly restless or nervous, often due to excitement or worry. It implies a physical manifestation of nervousness, like pacing or fidgeting.

  • He was so agitated that he couldn't sit still during the meeting.
  • She became agitated when faced with unexpected questions.

Examples of usage

  • She was distraught at the news of her friend's death.
  • I could tell he was distraught by the look on his face.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Distracted and deeply troubled in mind.

Synonyms

anxious, troubled, worried.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distraught

This word is used when someone is very upset and cannot think clearly. It involves intense worry or sadness and always has strong emotional implications.

  • He was distraught over losing his job.
  • She became distraught when she couldnโ€™t find her child.
worried

This word fits when someone feels uneasy or anxious about something that might happen. It is less intense than 'distraught' and more common in everyday usage.

  • I'm worried about the test tomorrow.
  • She was worried because her friend didn't call.
troubled

This word is best for situations where someone has a lot of problems or difficulties, whether emotional or situational. Often, it implies a state of mental unrest.

  • She has a troubled past.
  • He looked troubled after the meeting.
anxious

This word is good for describing a feeling of worry or fear about something that might happen. It often has a nervous or uneasy connotation.

  • I get anxious before exams.
  • She felt anxious about starting her new job.

Examples of usage

  • He had a distraught expression as he searched for his lost keys.
  • The distraught look on her face showed how worried she was.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who are distraught often experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, sadness, and confusion, which can be overwhelming.
  • Psychologically, feeling distraught can lead to physical symptoms like increased heart rate and fatigue.
  • Coping mechanisms such as talking to friends or engaging in relaxation techniques can help alleviate feelings of distress.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often become distraught due to loss or betrayal, emphasizing their human vulnerability.
  • Shakespeare's plays frequently feature characters in distraught states, revealing deep emotional turmoil, such as Hamletโ€™s lamentation over his father's death.
  • Modern novels explore the concept of being distraught in the context of societal pressures or personal failures, connecting with readers on a deeper level.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict characters as distraught during pivotal moments, using dramatic music and visuals to enhance the emotional impact.
  • Song lyrics frequently explore themes of being distraught, resonating with listeners who relate to feelings of heartbreak or confusion.
  • Social media trends sometimes include hashtags or memes that capture the feeling of being distraught, highlighting its commonality in everyday life.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have pondered the nature of distress, often suggesting that understanding emotions can lead to personal growth.
  • Existential thought explores how feelings of being distraught can prompt individuals to search for meaning amidst chaos.
  • The concept of 'anguish' in philosophical literature often overlaps with being distraught, examining how profound feelings can impact decision-making.

Origin of 'distraught'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated from the Middle English word 'distrawt', meaning 'distracted' or 'confused'.
  • It combines the prefix 'dis-' suggesting removal or negation, with the root 'traught' from the Latin 'tractus', meaning 'pulled'.
  • The word has evolved over centuries but retains the core idea of being pulled apart emotionally.

The word 'distraught' originated from Middle English 'distrauศt', past participle of 'distrauศten', which means 'to distract'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe someone who is deeply upset or agitated.

See also: distraughtly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,139, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.