Pronunciation: /dɪˈstrɛs/

Definitions of distress

noun extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain

Example Sentences

A1 She felt distress when she lost her favorite toy.

A2 The loud noises caused distress to the baby.

B1 Financial distress can lead to anxiety and depression.

B2 The distress of losing a loved one can be overwhelming.

C1 The distress of the situation was evident in her tear-stained face.

C2 He tried to hide his distress, but his trembling hands gave him away.

verb to cause worry or trouble

Example Sentences

A1 She was distressed when she couldn't find her keys.

A2 The loud noise distressed the baby and made him cry.

B1 The constant barking of the neighbor's dog distressed her to the point of considering moving.

B2 The news of the company's bankruptcy distressed all the employees.

C1 The ongoing conflict in the region has distressed the entire population.

C2 The loss of a loved one can deeply distress even the strongest of individuals.

Examples of distress in a Sentence

formal The company offered counseling services for employees experiencing distress.

informal I could see the distress in her eyes when she received the bad news.

slang I'm in such distress over my upcoming exams.

figurative The distressed wood on the old barn gave it a rustic charm.

Grammatical Forms of distress

past tense

distressed

plural

distresses

comparative

more distressed

superlative

most distressed

present tense

distress

future tense

will distress

perfect tense

have distressed

continuous tense

is distressing

singular

distress

positive degree

distress

infinitive

to distress

gerund

distressing

participle

distressed

Origin and Evolution of distress

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old French
Story behind the word: The word 'distress' originated from the Old French word 'destresse' which came from the Latin word 'districtus' meaning 'tightness' or 'narrowness'.
Evolution of the word: Initially, 'distress' referred to physical or mental suffering, but over time, its meaning expanded to include financial hardship or difficulty.