distress
noun
- 1
the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim
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
- 2
psychological suffering
the death of his wife caused him great distress
- 3
extreme physical pain
the patient appeared to be in distress
- 4
a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need)
a ship in distress
she was the classic maiden in distress
verb
- 1
cause mental pain to
The news of her child's illness distressed the mother
- 2
bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship
Also useful for “distress”:Unscrambler— Rearrange the letters in “distress”