• noun:   the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim

  Example: "Originally distress was a landloard's remedy against a tenant for unpaid rents or property damage but now the landlord is given a landlord's lien"

• noun:   psychological suffering

  Example: "The death of his wife caused him great distress"

• noun:   extreme physical pain

  Example: "The patient appeared to be in distress"

• noun:   a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need)

  Example: "A ship in distress"

• verb:   cause mental pain to

  Example: "The news of her child's illness distressed the mother"

Related words...