plural distresses
1
law
a
: seizure and detention of the goods of another as pledge (see pledge entry 1 sense 1) or to obtain satisfaction of a claim by the sale of the goods seized
b
: something that is distrained
2
a
: pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind : trouble
gastric distress
The patient showed no obvious signs of distress.
severe emotional distress
voiced their distress over the delays
b
: a painful situation : misfortune
3
: a state of danger or desperate need
a ship in distress
distressed; distressing; distresses
1
: to subject to great strain or difficulties
homes distressed by poverty
2
archaic
: to force or overcome by inflicting pain
3
: to cause to worry or be troubled : upset
don't let the news distress you
4
: to mar (something, such as clothing or wood) deliberately to give an effect of age
a distressed table
distressed jeans
1
: offered for sale at a loss
distress merchandise
2
: involving distress goods
a distress sale
Synonyms
Examples of distress in a Sentence
Noun
Citizens voiced their distress over delays in fixing the problem.
The patient showed no obvious signs of distress.
He suffered severe emotional distress as a result of the accident.
Verb
don't let all the bad news distress you
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Smith, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
And even 12 years after the storm, a study of survivors reported elevated levels of psychological distress and post-traumatic stress symptoms compared to the general population.
—Bill Frist, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Daniel Felsenthal, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024
The news that Sherrod is filing a civil suit, while distressing, could offer a way out of this endless cycle of paranoia — but agreeing to settle doesn’t stop him from spending more time at his secret pad than with his family.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
Simone McCarthy and Yong Xiong, CNN, 4 Apr. 2022
The post-distress investing segment is particularly attractive right now.
—George Schultze, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2021
See all Example Sentences for distress 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
But animal rights campaigners and pet owners have long complained that the noise causes extreme distress to animals.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
And even 12 years after the storm, a study of survivors reported elevated levels of psychological distress and post-traumatic stress symptoms compared to the general population.
—Bill Frist, Forbes, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
The novel’s very Indiana-ish narrator has recently landed a desirable job as a cultural critic at an influential magazine—a moment of recognition that terrifies and distresses him.
—Daniel Felsenthal, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024
The news that Sherrod is filing a civil suit, while distressing, could offer a way out of this endless cycle of paranoia — but agreeing to settle doesn’t stop him from spending more time at his secret pad than with his family.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
But the policy itself, which requires all patients who test positive to be isolated, including young children and babies, has caused significant levels distress among parents.
—Simone McCarthy and Yong Xiong, CNN, 4 Apr. 2022
The post-distress investing segment is particularly attractive right now.
—George Schultze, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2021
See all Example Sentences for distress
Articles Related to distress
Dictionary Entries Near distress
Cite this Entry
“Distress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distress. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distress
1 of 2 noun
dis·tress
dis-ˈtres 
2
: a painful situation : misfortune
3
: a condition of danger or desperate need
a ship in distress
Medical Definition
distress
noun
dis·tress
dis-ˈtres
: pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind
gastric distress
respiratory distress
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