Entry Word: distress

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a state of great suffering of body or mind <the upcoming final exam is causing us considerable distress> <the survivors were in extreme distress after having been stranded on the island for a week with no food>

Synonyms affliction, agony, anguish, misery, pain, strait(s), torment, torture, tribulation, woe

Related Words discomfort; cross, crucible, trial; heartbreak, joylessness, sadness, sorrow, unhappiness; emergency, pinch; asperity, difficulty, hardship, rigor; ache, hurt, pang, smarting, soreness, stitch, throe, twinge; danger, jeopardy, trouble

Near Antonyms comfort, consolation, solace; alleviation, assuagement, ease, relief; peace, security

2 the state of not being protected from injury, harm, or evil <a ship in distress> — see danger 1