Distress: meaning, definitions and examples

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distress

[dɪˈstrɛs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental state

Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

Synonyms

agony, anguish, suffering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
distress	Appropriate for describing a state of severe mental or physical suffering, often used in both medical and emotional contexts. She was in clear distress after hearing the bad news The animal showed signs of distress when it was caught in the trap
anguish	Ideal for describing extreme mental suffering or deep emotional pain, often associated with feelings of despair or grief. She felt a deep anguish over the death of her friend The parents were in anguish when they couldn't find their child
agony	Best used when describing intense physical or emotional pain; often implies a prolonged or unbearable state. He was in agony after breaking his leg The loss of a loved one can cause emotional agony
suffering	A general term used to describe the state of enduring pain, distress, or hardship. It can be applied to both physical and emotional contexts. The patient was experiencing severe suffering due to the illness Their suffering was evident during the natural disaster

Examples of usage

She was in great distress over the news of her father's illness.
The refugees were in distress after losing their homes in the war.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

financial

The state of being in great danger or difficulty, especially in relation to money.

Synonyms

difficulty, hardship, poverty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
distress	Distress is used when someone or something is experiencing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It often has an emotional or mental health connotation. She was in great distress after hearing the tragic news. The distress call from the sinking ship alerted the rescue teams.
hardship	Hardship describes a severe suffering or a condition that causes someone to suffer. It often implies long-term struggles or conditions that are difficult to endure. The economic crisis brought severe hardship to many families. They endured years of hardship before finding stability.
difficulty	Difficulty refers to something hard to accomplish, understand, or deal with. It is often used in practical situations or to describe challenges. He had difficulty understanding the complex math problem. She faced many difficulties while trying to start her own business.
poverty	Poverty refers to the state of being extremely poor. It is mainly used to describe a lack of financial resources or basic needs. Many people in the region live in poverty without access to clean water or proper healthcare. The organization works to alleviate poverty in underdeveloped countries.

Examples of usage

The company is in financial distress and may have to declare bankruptcy.
Many families are facing economic distress due to the current recession.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

action

To cause someone to feel extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

Synonyms

trouble, upset, worry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
distress	Distress is used for situations where someone is experiencing extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It often implies an urgent or severe state. She was in great distress after hearing the tragic news. The animal was clearly in distress and needed immediate help.
upset	Upset is used when someone feels unhappy, disappointed, or worried. It often implies a reaction to a specific event or news. He was very upset after losing his job. She got upset when she found out her friend was moving away.
trouble	Trouble is a more general term that can refer to any kind of problem or difficulty. It can also refer to a state of worry or anxiety. She's been having trouble with her computer lately. If you get into trouble, call me immediately.
worry	Worry is used when someone is continually thinking about potential problems or dangers, leading to anxiety and stress. Parents often worry about their children's safety. You shouldn't worry too much about things you can't control.

Examples of usage

The news of the accident distressed her greatly.
His sudden disappearance distressed his family and friends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'distressare,' meaning to pull apart or strain.
First used in English during the 14th century, focusing on the physical pain or discomfort.
Originally had connotations of being in a difficult situation, which has evolved over time.

Psychology

Research shows prolonged feelings of distress can lead to anxiety and even depression.
Many therapeutic practices aim to reduce distress by teaching coping mechanisms.
Distress can trigger the body’s fight or flight response, resulting in physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often experience distress as a key plot element, motivating their actions.
Poets frequently use the concept of distress to convey deep human emotions and experiences.
Shakespeare’s works often explored themes of distress, revealing human vulnerability and conflict.

Health

Acute distress can lead to physical health problems, including digestive issues and weakened immune function.
Mental health professionals categorize distress into emotional and physical types, each requiring different strategies for relief.
There is a growing recognition of the role of distress in chronic illness management, emphasizing holistic approaches.

Crisis Response

Emergency services often train to recognize signs of distress in individuals during crises to provide immediate support.
Public health campaigns frequently focus on mental distress, encouraging people to seek help if they feel overwhelmed.
In disaster situations, distress can lead to collective trauma, necessitating community recovery efforts.

Translations

Translations of the word "distress" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aflição

angústia
sofrimento

🇮🇳 कष्ट

पीड़ा
संकट

🇩🇪 Not

Bedrängnis
Qual

🇮🇩 kesusahan

penderitaan
kegelisahan

🇺🇦 біда

страждання
тривога

🇵🇱 cierpienie

niepokój
kłopot

🇯🇵 苦痛 (くつう)

困難 (こんなん)
苦悩 (くのう)

🇫🇷 détresse

souffrance
angoisse

🇪🇸 angustia

sufrimiento
aflicción

🇹🇷 sıkıntı

ıstırap
dert

🇰🇷 고통 (고통)

고난 (고난)
괴로움 (괴로움)

🇸🇦 ضيق

معاناة
قلق

🇨🇿 nesnáz

utrpení
úzkost

🇸🇰 trápenie

utrpenie
úzkosť

🇨🇳 痛苦 (tòngkǔ)

困境 (kùnjìng)
焦虑 (jiāolǜ)

🇸🇮 stiska

trpljenje
tesnoba

🇮🇸 þjáning

neyð
kvíði

🇰🇿 қасірет

азап
уайым

🇬🇪 საჭიროება

ტანჯვა
შფოთვა

🇦🇿 əziyyət

dərd
narahatlıq

🇲🇽 angustia

sufrimiento
aflicción

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,083, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4080 deficit
4081 sixteen
4082 lesser
4083 distress
4084 resolve
4085 landing
4086 contacts
...