Distraught

usgb/dɪˈstrɔːt/
adjective

Feeling or showing a lot of emotional distress or worry.

Peter was distraught when his dog went missing.
Visual representation of "distraught" - Feeling or showing a lot of emotional distress or worry

Often appears as...

  • distraught cry
  • distraught parents
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "distraught"
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Emotional Intensity

Describes extreme emotions, stronger than just 'worried' or 'upset'.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
Becoming distraught is common when experiencing life-altering events.
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Short-Term Reaction

Usually refers to an immediate and intense emotional reaction to a situation.

Illustration for Short-Term Reaction
After the verdict, the defendant's family was visibly distraught.
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Not for Mild Issues

Use 'distraught' for serious problems, not trivial matters.

Illustration for Not for Mild Issues
She was not just upset about the grade, she was distraught.
Visual representation of the word "Distraught"

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