Distress
WordNet
noun
(1) The seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim
"Originally distress was a landlord's remedy against a tenant for unpaid rents or property damage but now the landlord is given a landlord's lien"
(2) Psychological suffering
"The death of his wife caused him great distress"
(3) Extreme physical pain
"The patient appeared to be in distress"
(4) A state of adversity (danger or affliction or need)
"A ship in distress"
"She was the classic maiden in distress"
verb
(5) Cause mental pain to
"The news of her child's illness distressed the mother"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From < (French: ) < as if }, an assumed freq. form of < + .
Noun
- (Cause of) discomfort.
- Serious danger.
- Three ships were in distress that night.
- A seizing of property without legal process to force payment of a debt.