distress

Noun

• the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim
  • Originally distress was a landlord's remedy against a tenant for unpaid rents or property damage but now the landlord is given a landlord's lien
    

• extreme physical pain
  • the patient appeared to be in distress
    

• a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need)
  • a ship in distress
    
  • she was the classic maiden in distress
    

• psychological suffering
  • the death of his wife caused him great distress
    

Verb

• cause mental pain to
  • The news of her child's illness distressed the mother
    

• bring into difficulties or distress, especially financial hardship

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  distraint , hurt , suffering , straiten