Cool MateDistress
UK //dɪsˈtrɛs//US //dɪsˈtrɛs//
Definition
A state of emotional suffering or pain.
In simple words: Great worry or suffering.
Examples
- The news caused her great distress.
- He felt a sense of distress when he heard the bad report.
- Mental distress can have serious consequences if not addressed.
- Animals in distress need immediate help.
- The witness spoke about the distress she experienced after the event.
Usage notes
Use 'distress' to describe emotional pain or anxiety. Avoid informal contexts; 'distress' fits well in psychological or medical discussions.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Distress sounds like 'dis' + 'stress' - imagine stress going wrong.
Collocations
- emotional distress
- signs of distress
- in distress
- cause distress
- face distress
Synonyms
- suffering
- anguish
- torment
- pain
- anxiety
Antonyms
- comfort
- relief
- ease
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'stress' - 'distress' is more intense and negative.
- Used incorrectly in the plural form - 'distress' is usually uncountable.
- Misinterpreted as physical pain - it primarily refers to emotional suffering.