English dictionary
distress
nounPronunciation
dɪˈstɹɛs
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim
noun
- psychological suffering
noun
- extreme physical pain
noun
- a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need)
verb
- cause mental pain to
verb
- bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship
Example sentences
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
the death of his wife caused him great distress
the patient appeared to be in distress
a ship in distress
she was the classic maiden in distress
The news of her child's illness distressed the mother