legal Definition of emotional distress
:a highly unpleasant emotional reaction (as anguish, humiliation, or fury) which results from another's conduct and for which damages may be sought — called also
emotional harm, mental anguish, mental distress, mental disturbance, mental suffering; see also outrage, zone of danger
Note:
Damages may be recoverable for emotional distress that is caused intentionally or negligently. Recovery for negligent infliction of emotional distress often requires that the plaintiff suffer a physical injury as well.
