Vocabulary word Distraught - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Challenges and Distress

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Expressions Of Emotion

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Sorrow and Strife

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Trials and Tribulations

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Dictionary Definition of distraught

Extreme agitation, deep distress, or overwhelming emotional turmoil.
"He looked distraught after he failed his driving test for the third time."

Detailed Meaning of Distraught

When we characterize someone as distraught, we emphasize their intense emotional state, often marked by feelings of anxiety, sorrow, confusion, or panic. Distraught individuals may appear visibly upset, with their emotions running high and their ability to think clearly or make rational decisions impaired. This term conveys a sense of being deeply shaken or overwhelmed by a distressing situation, often to the point where it becomes challenging to maintain composure. Whether it's due to personal tragedy, a sudden crisis, or an unexpected loss, distraught individuals are in acute emotional distress and may require support and understanding during difficult times.

Example Sentences for Distraught

1. She was so distraught over the loss of her cat that she couldn't sleep for days.
2. The mother was distraught when her child didn't come home from school on time.
3. The actress was visibly distraught when she learned she didn't get the lead role in the play.
4. I felt distraught when I realized I lost my phone with all my important contacts.
5. The family was left distraught after their house was destroyed in a fire.
6. The employee was distraught when he learned that he was being laid off.

Origin and Etymology of Distraught

The adjective 'distraught' derives its origins from Old English and Middle English, with a fascinating etymological journey. In Old English, the word 'distrēowian' meant 'to trouble' or 'to afflict with great sorrow.' It was a combination of 'dis-' meaning 'apart' or 'away from,' and 'trēowian' signifying 'to trouble' or 'to afflict.' Over time, this evolved into Middle English as 'distraught,' which described a state of extreme agitation, deep distress, or overwhelming emotional turmoil. This etymology highlights the idea of being torn apart or troubled in one's emotional state, making it a fitting term to describe profound distress and inner turmoil.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective distraught:

composed

calm

serene

agitated

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Distraught

1. The community was distraught over the sudden death of one of their own.
2. She became distraught when she discovered that her wedding dress had been ruined.
3. The news of the tragedy left everyone feeling distraught and helpless.
4. The singer was so distraught by the negative reviews of her new album that she canceled her upcoming tour.
5. The victim's family was understandably distraught during the trial of the accused murderer.
6. She was utterly distraught, her tears flowing uncontrollably, after the sudden loss of her beloved grandmother.
7. His distraught expression, marked by furrowed brows and trembling lips, revealed the depth of his emotional pain.
8. The news of the accident left her feeling completely distraught, unable to comprehend the tragedy that had occurred.
9. The distraught parents clung to each other for support as they grappled with their child's serious illness.
10. The distraught witness, still trembling from the traumatic event, struggled to recount the horrifying details to the authorities.
11. The distraught employee, fearing for their job security, anxiously awaited news of the impending layoffs.
12. The distraught student sought solace from a trusted friend, pouring out their heartache and worries.
13. His distraught cries, echoing through the otherwise silent night, conveyed the depth of his despair.
14. The firefighter's heroic efforts not only extinguished the blaze but also brought comfort to the distraught family.
15. She felt utterly distraught after the painful breakup, unable to shake the overwhelming sense of loss.
16. The distraught mother's frantic search for her lost child mobilized the entire community into action.
17. The distraught artist, channeling his emotional turmoil, created a masterpiece that resonated with many.
18. The distraught patient, anxiously awaiting the doctor's diagnosis, clung to the hope of a positive outcome.
19. Her distraught letter, penned in the depths of her sorrow, expressed profound feelings of grief and regret.
20. The distraught survivor, with a trembling voice, shared the harrowing details of their near-death experience.
21. The distraught actor, struggling to maintain composure, gave a moving performance that left the audience in tears.
22. The distraught hiker, lost in the wilderness, was finally rescued after days of fear and uncertainty.
23. His increasingly distraught demeanor raised concerns among his friends, who reached out to offer support.
24. The distraught teacher, deeply affected by the tragedy, provided comfort and reassurance to her grieving students.
25. The distraught expression on her face, a poignant mix of sadness and despair, elicited sympathy from all who saw her.