Dis‐tress″, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Distressed (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Distressing.] [Cf. OF. destrecier. See Distress, n.] 1. To cause pain or anguish to; to pain; to oppress with calamity; to afflict; to harass; to make miserable.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed. 2 Cor. iv. 8.
2. To compel by pain or suffering.
Men who can neither be distressed nor won into a sacrifice of duty. A. Hamilton.
3. (Law) To seize for debt; to distrain.
Syn. — To pain; grieve; harass; trouble; perplex; afflict; worry; annoy.