Definition of: distress

(dis·tres′) v.t.
1. To inflict suffering upon; cause agony, anxiety, or worry to; afflict.
2. To constrain by suffering or pain.
3. Law To distrain. See synonyms under PERSECUTE.
—noun
1. Acute or extreme suffering or its cause; pain; trouble.
2. An afflicted, wretched, or exhausted condition; dangerous situation.
3. Law Distraint; goods taken by distraint. See synonyms under AGONY, GRIEF, MISFORTUNE, PAIN, POVERTY. [<AF destresser, OF destrecier <LL districtiare <L distringere. See DISTRAIN.]
—dis·tress′ful adjective
—dis·tress′·ful·ly adverb
—dis·tress′ful·ness noun
—dis·tress′·ing·ly adverb