distress
Translation
distress, anguish, suffering, hardship
Examples
The news caused her great distress.
The news caused her great distress.
The ship sent a distress signal.
The ship sent a distress signal.
Grammar Patterns
in distress in a state of suffering or danger The family was in financial distress.
to cause ((sb.)) distress to make someone suffer The bad news caused him great distress.
Similar Words
Synonyms: suffering, pain, anxiety; Antonyms: comfort, relief
Etymology
From Old French 'destrece', from Latin 'districtus' (drawn apart, harassed). It's related to 'stress'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as 'deep stress'. This can help you remember the meaning of extreme anxiety or pain.