distress
- 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
distress call
- n an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed
distress signal
- n an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed