n psychological suffering
the death of his wife caused him great distress
n a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need)
a ship in distress she was the classic maiden in distress
n extreme physical pain
the patient appeared to be in distress
n 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
v bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship
v cause mental pain to
The news of her child's illness distressed the mother