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distraught

adjective
dis·​traught | \ di-ˈstrȯt How to pronounce distraught (audio) \

Definition of distraught

1 : agitated with doubt or mental conflict or pain distraught mourners
2 : mentally deranged : crazed as if thou wert distraught and mad with terror— William Shakespeare
Other Words from distraught Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about distraught

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Other Words from distraught

distraughtly adverb

Examples of distraught in a Sentence

Of particular concern are phony contractors, who knock on the doors of distraught homeowners and offer to repair damaged roofs or remove fallen trees. — Natalie Rodriguez, This Old House, March 2006 The night before the story broke, West sat down for a two-hour interview with the Spokane-Review and left so distraught that its editor, Steven Smith, asked the police chief to check on him. — Unmesh Kher, Time, 23 May 2005 Captured by news photographers under the direction of his manager Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis's turn in the barber's chair was a public ceremony: a symbolic shearing, not only of Elvis—who would return from the service a meek semblance of himself, a mama's boy without a mama (his distraught mother, Gladys, died while he was stationed at Fort Hood, soon to depart for Germany)—but of rock 'n' roll itself. — James Wolcott, Vanity Fair, November 2000 Distraught relatives are waiting for news of the missing children. She was distraught over the death of her partner.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Vincent was visibly distraught after the decision, admonishing the prosecutor and judge as he was led out of the courtroom. — Dominic Fracassa, SFChronicle.com, "Judge rules to keep suspect in Embarcadero attack behind bars," 29 Aug. 2019 Devante Jones’ family was distraught, even baffled, to learn this week that the 22-year-old Baltimore man was killed while allegedly attempting to rob five men, including an off-duty school police officer and a retired corrections officer. — Lillian Reed, baltimoresun.com, "Alleged robber’s family looks for clarity from Baltimore Police after his fatal shooting," 27 Aug. 2019 Her baby survived and was born later in the year, but eight months after the crash Laborde is still distraught over the loss of her daughter. — Joe Mario Pedersen, orlandosentinel.com, "New details, video emerge in deadly crash involving Disney-bound group," 1 Aug. 2019 Her baby survived and was born later in the year, but eight months after the crash Laborde is still distraught over the loss of her daughter. — Wpec, sun-sentinel.com, "New video shows moment South Florida truck driver crashed into van, killing 5 kids," 1 Aug. 2019 But Bella also appeared to find love in the house, engaging in a showmance with Nick, who was clearly distraught when Bella was sent out of the game. — Dalton Ross, EW.com, "Isabella Wang responds to Jack's racist remark on Big Brother," 26 July 2019 Even though Izzy was distraught, everyone wanted to be altogether. — SI.com, "Road to Women's World Cup: Lynne Cameron Reveals Stories of the Lionesses' Behind the Scenes Photos," 6 June 2019 Monica is distraught to learn she has been lied to her entire life. — Bethonie Butler, chicagotribune.com, "So, you stopped watching ‘Orange Is the New Black’ three seasons ago? Here’s how it ends," 27 July 2019 Monica is distraught to learn she has been lied to her entire life. — Bethonie Butler, Washington Post, "So, you stopped watching ‘Orange Is the New Black’ three seasons ago? Here’s how it ends.," 26 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'distraught.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of distraught

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for distraught

Middle English, modification of Latin distractus — see distract entry 1

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More Definitions for distraught

distraught

adjective
How to pronounce distraught (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of distraught

: very upset : so upset that you are not able to think clearly or behave normally

See the full definition for distraught in the English Language Learners Dictionary

distraught

adjective
dis·​traught | \ di-ˈstrȯt How to pronounce distraught (audio) \

Kids Definition of distraught

: very upset

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More from Merriam-Webster on distraught

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with distraught

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for distraught

Spanish Central: Translation of distraught

Nglish: Translation of distraught for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of distraught for Arabic Speakers

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