n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 : to subject to great strain or difficulties <homes distress ed by poverty>
2 archaic : to force or overcome by inflicting pain
3 : to cause to worry or be troubled : UPSET <don't let the news distress you>
4 : to mar (as clothing or wood) deliberately to give an effect of age <a distress ed table>
– dis · tress · ing · ly \ - ' stre-si ŋ -l ē \ adverb