B2nounemotionshealth
US/dɪˈstres/
UK/dɪˈstres/
a strong feeling of worry, pain or sadness, or a situation of great danger or difficulty
In context
The child was in great distress after losing his mother in the crowd.
The ship sent out a distress signal before it sank.
Her parents' divorce caused her deep emotional distress.
Words that go with distress
adjective + noun
- emotional distressThe accident caused him severe emotional distress.
- psychological distressMany patients reported psychological distress.
noun + preposition
- in distressThe woman was clearly in distress.
- sign of distressThe dog showed signs of distress.
noun + noun
- distress signalThe pilot sent a distress signal.
verb + noun
- cause distressThe noise can cause distress to animals.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I feel distress about the exam.Correct: I feel stressed about the exam.