ETYM French affliction, Latin afflictio, from affligere.
1. A cause of great suffering and distress.
2. A condition of suffering or distress due to ill health.
3. A state of great suffering and distress due to adversity.
ETYM Old Eng. destresse, distresse, Old Fren. destresse, destrece, French détresse, Old Fren. destrecier to distress, (assumed) Late Lat. districtiare, from Latin districtus, p. p. of distringere. Related to Distrain, Stress.
(Irregular plural: distresses).
1. A strong feeling of anxiety; SYN. worry, trouble.
2. Psychological suffering; SYN. hurt, suffering.
3. The seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim; SYN. distraint.