Distressed
/dɪˈstrest/
Definitions
2 meaningsExperiencing or exhibiting suffering or trouble.
/dɪˈstrest/
Feeling or showing great worry, anxiety, or pain.
The dog looked distressed after being left alone for hours.
💡 Simply: It's like feeling super worried, sad, or upset about something. Think of a time you were really bummed out.
👶 For kids: Feeling very sad, worried, or upset.
More Examples
She was distressed by the thought of failing her exam.
The residents were distressed by the sudden increase in crime.
How It's Used
"The patient was visibly distressed after receiving the bad news."
"She looked distressed when she heard the loud bang."
To cause suffering or anxiety; to trouble.
/dɪˈstres/
To cause someone or something to experience anxiety, sorrow, or pain.
The news distressed him greatly.
💡 Simply: To make someone feel really worried, sad, or upset. Like when you tell a friend something bad and they get really down.
👶 For kids: To make someone feel very sad or worried.
More Examples
The loud noise distressed the baby.
He was distressed to find that his car had been stolen.
How It's Used
"The events of the war distressed many citizens."
"The news distressed her greatly."
Idioms & expressions
in distress
Experiencing great suffering or trouble.
"The ship was in distress and sent out a Mayday signal."
From Middle English, from Old French *destrecier* ('to harass, afflict'), from *destrece* ('oppression, distress'), from Latin *districtus* ('drawn apart, strained').
The word 'distressed' has been used for centuries to describe feelings of sorrow and anxiety, with its roots tracing back to earlier forms denoting hardship and affliction.
Memory tip
Imagine your clothes are all messed up and the style is horrible. You are distressed!
Word Origin
"to draw apart, strain"