Distressing
/dɪˈstresɪŋ/
Definitions
Causing mental or physical suffering; causing anxiety or worry.
/dɪˈstresɪŋ/
Causing anxiety, sorrow, or pain; upsetting.
The news about the lost dog was deeply distressing for the family.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see a sad movie scene – the part that makes you feel super bad? That movie scene is 'distressing'. It means something is making you feel sad, worried, or upset.
👶 For kids: Making you feel sad or worried.
More Examples
The images from the war were very distressing to watch.
The distressing situation left her unable to sleep.
How It's Used
"The therapist described the patient's distressing dreams."
"News reports painted a distressing picture of the disaster's aftermath."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *distresse* (suffering, hardship), from Old French *destrece* (distress, hardship), from Latin *districtus* (drawn apart, restricted), past participle of *distringere* (to draw apart, to oppress).
The word 'distressing' has been used since the 14th century to describe things causing suffering or hardship.
Memory tip
Think of 'distress' as something that causes stress, and 'distressing' is the adjective describing that causing factor.
Word Origin
"to draw apart, to oppress"