French Conversation · Level 42
75 words
French word
détresse
Pronunciation
IPA/detʁɛs/
Meaning
- feminine noundistress
Example
Après l'annonce, elle était en détresse.
After the announcement, she was in distress.
More examples
Le garçon a poussé un cri de détresse.
The boy let out a cry of distress.
Core concept
A heart under crushing pressure, with an urgent need for help.
Common phrases
être en détresse
be in distress
un cri de détresse
a cry of distress
Similar words
tristesse: A state of feeling sad or lonely.
peine: A state of sadness or emotional suffering.
angoisse: Intense anxiety felt as a tightness in the chest.
désespoir: A deeply depressed state in which hope has vanished.
Definition in French
Sentiment de peine profonde et accablante, souvent accompagné d'un besoin d'aide ou d'un sentiment d'urgence.
Word origin
Détresse descends through Old French destresse from Latin distringere, meaning 'to draw tight', which developed into a sense of severe suffering.
Usage tips
- Détresse is stronger than tristesse and often suggests suffering that calls for help, especially in être en détresse.