Distressed

/dɪˈstrɛst/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to cause someone to feel anxious, sorrowful, or in pain.

The constant noise from construction distressed the residents of the building.

adjective

suffering from anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

She felt distressed after hearing the news about her friend's accident.

in a state of physical or emotional suffering.

The distressed animal was found wandering alone in the park.

marked by or exhibiting significant difficulty or hardship.

The distressed community struggled to recover after the natural disaster.

Middle English, from distressen (to subject to distress), from Old French destrescer.

distressed asset

An asset that is trading at a lower price due to adverse conditions.

distressed jeans

Jeans designed to look worn or damaged.

distressed situation

A predicament that causes suffering or hardship.

distress

A state of emotional pain or suffering.

distressing

Causing anxiety or sorrow.

distressedly

In a manner expressing distress.

Stressed out

I'm so distressed about the finals next week!

Freaking out

She was totally distressed when she lost her phone.