Antonyms for distress


Grammar : Noun, verb
Spell : dih-stres
Phonetic Transcription : dɪˈstrɛs


Definition of distress

Origin :
  • late 13c., "circumstance that causes anxiety or hardship," from Old French destresse, from Vulgar Latin *districtia "restraint, affliction, narrowness, distress," from Latin districtus, past participle of distringere "draw apart, hinder," also, in Medieval Latin "compel, coerce," from dis- "apart" (see dis-) + stringere "draw tight, press together" (see strain (v.)). Meaning "anguish, suffering; grief" is from c.1300.
  • noun pain, agony
  • noun hardship, adversity
  • verb worry, upset
Example sentences :
  • Milza endeavoured, in her own artless way, to soothe the distress her words had excited.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • She put her arms about her neck, and affectionately inquired the cause of her distress.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • The horses have not had any water for two days, and show signs of distress.
  • Extract from : « Explorations in Australia » by John Forrest
  • The government admitted the distress, but denied that it was increasing.
  • Extract from : « The Grand Old Man » by Richard B. Cook
  • I was alone with God, and prayed to him for help in my distress, and for direction.
  • Extract from : « Biography of a Slave » by Charles Thompson
  • Her words rushed forth with a bitterness that was the cover of her distress.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • A groan of distress burst from him, and he fled the place in ignominious rout.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • Garson with difficulty suppressed the cry of distress that rose to his lips.
  • Extract from : « Within the Law » by Marvin Dana
  • We should call upon God in every time of trouble, danger or distress.
  • Extract from : « An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism » by Joseph Stump
  • Generosity to those in distress was at all times characteristic of him.
  • Extract from : « Handel » by Edward J. Dent

Synonyms for distress

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019