rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydistressSevere suffering
noun / verb

distress

dih-STRESS/dɪˈstres/

Serious suffering or trouble requiring relief.

The tearful adult shows distress while a supportive friend listens.

Distressed adult sits with worried tearful expression while a supportive friend gently listens.
Etymology
disLatinapart
+tressLatinto draw tight, press together

The roots combine pulling apart with drawing tight; their compound also meant hindering or coercing. This language of constraint developed into hardship and suffering of body or mind.

In context

Dr. Tracey Marks5:34
you intentionally provoke a physical sensation and tolerate the distress the sensation causes.
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More examples

  • Losing her home causes her deep emotional distress.
  • The patient shows signs of respiratory distress.
  • The reports of injured children distress her deeply.

Forms

distress · distresses · distressed · distressing

Similar words

anguish
Intense emotional suffering rather than trouble requiring practical help.
hardship
Difficult living conditions rather than acute emotional suffering.
torment
Severe, prolonged suffering, often caused by someone or something.