distress

Universal Words noun, verb noun [U] 1 a feeling of great worry or unhappiness; great suffering: The newspaper article caused the actor considerable distress. * She was obviously in distress after the attack. * deep emotional distress 2 suffering and problems caused by not having enough money, food, etc: economic / financial distress * The charity aims to relieve poverty and distress caused by natural disasters. 3 a situation in which a ship, plane, etc. is in danger or difficulty and needs help: a distress signal (= a message asking for help) * It is a rule of the sea to help another boat in distress. IDIOMS see DAMSEL verb [VN] to make sb feel very worried or unhappy: It was clear that the letter had deeply distressed her. * Don't distress yourself (= don't worry).