Definition of distress

< distraught

distressed >

dis·tress    (d-strs) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
dis·tressed, dis·tress·ing, dis·tress·es

1. To cause strain, anxiety, or suffering to. See Synonyms at trouble.
2. Law To hold the property of (a person) against the payment of debts.
3. To mar or otherwise treat (an object or fabric, for example) to give the appearance of an antique or of heavy prior use: "There are the fakesnew rugs which have been intentionally distressed for an older look" (Hatfield MA Valley Advocate).
4. Archaic To constrain or overcome by harassment.

NOUN:

1. Anxiety or mental suffering.
2. 1. Severe strain resulting from exhaustion or an accident.
   2. Acute physical discomfort.
   3. Physical deterioration, as of a highway, caused by hard use over time: pavement distress.
3. The condition of being in need of immediate assistance: a motorist in distress.
4. Law
   1. The act of distraining or seizing to compel payment.
   2. The goods thus seized.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English distressen, from Old French destresser, from destresse, constraint, from Vulgar Latin *districtia, from Latin districtus, past participle of distringere, to hinder ; see distrain

OTHER FORMS:
dis·tressing·ly(Adverb)