Meaning & Definition of Distress in English

1. Psychological suffering

• "The death of his wife caused him great distress"

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"

1. Bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship

2. Cause mental pain to

• "The news of her child's illness distressed the mother"