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.

Noun

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