Definition of distress

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  • distress is a valid Scrabble US word with a point value of 9
  • distress is a valid Scrabble UK word with a point value of 9
  • distress is a valid Words with friends word with a point value of 9

Definition of distress

  • psychological suffering (noun)

    Examples

    1. the death of his wife caused him great distress

    Synonyms

    1. hurt
    2. suffering
  • the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim (noun)

    Examples

    1. 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

    Synonyms

    1. distraint
  • bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship (verb)

    Synonyms

    1. straiten
  • a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need) (noun)

    Examples

    1. a ship in distress
    2. she was the classic maiden in distress
  • cause mental pain to (verb)

    Examples

    1. The news of her child's illness distressed the mother
  • extreme physical pain (noun)

    Examples

    1. the patient appeared to be in distress

See definition of distress in Merriam Webster