distress call

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distress call

The ship's crew sends a distress call over the radio as a storm approaches.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed: A specific, standardized communication used in emergencies to alert others to a situation of grave and imminent danger, such as sinking, fire, or catastrophic failure.
Usage
  • The term "distress call" is used specifically in maritime and aeronautical contexts to describe an urgent request for immediate assistance. It is a formal declaration of an emergency.
  • It is typically transmitted via radio using internationally recognized codes and frequencies, such as "Mayday" (for life-threatening emergencies) or "SOS" in Morse code.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The sinking ship sent out a distress call before it went down.
    • Upon receiving the distress call, the coast guard immediately dispatched rescue vessels.
    • The pilot made a distress call after the engine failed over the ocean.
Advanced Usage
  • "to issue a distress call": To formally transmit a signal for help.
    • The captain issued a distress call when the fire could not be contained.
  • "to answer/respond to a distress call": To react to an emergency signal by providing aid.
    • All ships in the vicinity are obligated to answer a distress call.
Variants and Related Words
  • Distress signal (n): A broader term that includes visual signals (like flares) or audible signals in addition to radio calls.
    • They used flares as a visual distress signal when their radio failed.
  • Mayday (n): The international radiotelephony distress signal, used verbally to indicate a life-threatening emergency.
    • The pilot repeated "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" over the radio.
  • SOS (n): The international Morse code distress signal (...---...).
    • The old telegraph operator tapped out an SOS.
Synonyms
  • Emergency call: A call made in a critical situation.
  • SOS: Specifically refers to the Morse code signal, but often used informally for any urgent call for help.
Related Phrases
  • Go down with a distress call: To be lost or destroyed after sending a final emergency signal.
    • The ship was last heard from when it went down with a distress call.
distress call

The ship's crew sends a distress call over the radio as a storm approaches.

Noun
  1. an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed

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