distress meaning and definition

DISTRESS noun

Definition of distress (noun)

1. psychological suffering
   • "the death of his wife caused him great distress"
   • synonyms: hurt, suffering
2. a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need)
   • "a ship in distress"; "she was the classic maiden in distress"
3. extreme physical pain
   • "the patient appeared to be in distress"
4. the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim
   • "Originally distress was a landlord's remedy against a tenant for unpaid rents or property damage but now the landlord is given a landlord's lien"
   • synonyms: distraint

DISTRESS verb

Definition of distress (verb)

1. bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship
   • synonyms: straiten
2. cause mental pain to
   • "The news of her child's illness distressed the mother"