The word "distress" refers to a state of emotional or physical suffering or pain. It can signify feelings of anxiety, sadness, or discomfort that an individual may experience due to various factors, including personal problems, health issues, or challenging situations. In a legal or medical context, it may also refer to complications or harmful effects resulting from certain actions or conditions.
The term "distress" comes from the Middle English word "distress" meaning "oppression, stress," from the Old French "destresse" (modern French "détresse"), which means "distress, hardship." The roots trace back to Latin "dēstrictus," the past participle of "dēstringere," meaning "to pull apart, tighten," combining the prefix "de-" (down, away) and "stringere" (to bind).