1dis·tress 
/dɪˈstrɛs/ noun
/dɪˈstrɛs/ noun [noncount] 1 : unhappiness or pain : suffering that affects the mind or body
▪ Citizens voiced their distress over delays in fixing the problem. ▪ The patient showed no obvious signs of distress. ▪ He suffered severe emotional distress as a result of the accident. ▪ The new drug can cause abdominal/gastric distress. [=stomach pain] ▪ a cry of distress ▪ He was clearly in distress [=very upset] upon hearing the news. 2 : a very difficult situation in which you do not have enough money, food, etc.
▪ She's chosen to devote her life to helping those in distress. [=in trouble, in need] ▪ Donations were given to families in (financial) distress. 3 of a boat, airplane, etc. : a state of danger or desperate need
▪ The ship was in distress. [=the ship was possibly going to sink] ▪ The Coast Guard responded to the ship's distress signal/call. [=signal or call for help]
▪ Citizens voiced their distress over delays in fixing the problem. ▪ The patient showed no obvious signs of distress. ▪ He suffered severe emotional distress as a result of the accident. ▪ The new drug can cause abdominal/gastric distress. [=stomach pain] ▪ a cry of distress ▪ He was clearly in distress [=very upset] upon hearing the news.
▪ She's chosen to devote her life to helping those in distress. [=in trouble, in need] ▪ Donations were given to families in (financial) distress.
▪ The ship was in distress. [=the ship was possibly going to sink] ▪ The Coast Guard responded to the ship's distress signal/call. [=signal or call for help]
damsel in distress — see damsel
