What is Distress?
Distress refers to extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It can also mean a state of physical or financial hardship. In legal and economic contexts, distress may refer to the seizure of property for debt or financial strain faced by individuals or businesses.
Synonyms for Distress
Strongest Matches:
- Anguish
- Agony
- Suffering
- Torment
- Misery
- Woe
- Grief
- Pain
- Despair
- Affliction
Strong Matches:
- Anxiety
- Hardship
- Trauma
- Sorrow
- Melancholy
- Trouble
- Adversity
- Turmoil
- Wretchedness
- Dismay
Weak Matches:
- Worry
- Unease
- Concern
- Sadness
- Nervousness
- Frustration
- Annoyance
- Irritation
- Displeasure
- Inconvenience
Example Sentences Using Distress
- The news of the accident caused her great distress.
- He was in distress after losing his job and home in the same month.
- The financial distress of the company led to layoffs and restructuring.
- Seeing the abandoned puppy in such distress, she decided to take it home.
- The distress call from the sinking ship prompted an immediate rescue mission.
Contextual Usage of Distress
Distress can be used in multiple contexts:
1. Emotional & Psychological Distress
- Refers to extreme emotional suffering, grief, or mental agony.
- Example: “She experienced severe distress after the sudden loss of a loved one.”
2. Physical Distress
- Pertains to pain, suffering, or bodily discomfort.
- Example: “The marathon runner showed signs of distress due to dehydration.”
3. Financial Distress
- Represents economic hardship or financial struggles.
- Example: “Many small businesses faced financial distress during the recession.”
4. Legal Distress
- In law, it refers to the seizure of property due to unpaid debts.
- Example: “The landlord issued a notice of distress to recover unpaid rent.”
5. Maritime & Emergency Distress
- Used to describe urgent situations requiring immediate help.
- Example: “The captain sent a distress signal when the ship started sinking.”
Related Words & Concepts
- Distressed (Adjective) – Experiencing distress; Example: “She looked visibly distressed after hearing the bad news.”
- Distressing (Adjective) – Causing distress; Example: “The documentary contained distressing images of war.”
- Distress Signal (Noun) – A call for help; Example: “The stranded hikers sent a distress signal using a flare.”
- Distress Sale (Noun) – A sale under financial duress; Example: “He had to conduct a distress sale of his property to pay off debts.”
- Psychological Distress (Noun) – Severe mental strain; Example: “Long work hours contribute to psychological distress.”
Conclusion
The word “distress” encompasses a broad range of meanings and applications, from emotional suffering to financial hardship and emergency situations. Understanding its synonyms and contextual usage can enhance clarity in communication.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or financial advice. If you are experiencing emotional or financial distress, seek assistance from a qualified professional.
