Definition

Feeling or showing great worry, sadness, or pain; in a state of emotional or physical suffering.

Example

The distressed mother searched for her missing child.

Conversation

I saw a distressed sofa at the thrift store yesterday.

Really? Was it in good shape?

It looked kind of worn, but I actually like distressed furniture.

Same here! It gives a nice vintage vibe to the room.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Distressed → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "tress" (from Latin "tressare", meaning to pull or stretch). The word "distressed" means to be pulled away from a state of comfort or peace, indicating a state of suffering or anxiety.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'pulled away' ('dis-') from a state of comfort, which helps you remember that 'distressed' means feeling anxious or suffering.

Visually Confused Words