distraught
Distraught (adjective) means Extremely upset, worried, or overwhelmed with emotion. Example: “She was distraught after hearing the news.”
How to use distraught
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo upset or distressed that you can barely function.
Stronger than just "sad" or "worried" — distraught implies being almost overwhelmed by emotion.
Word forms
more distraught comparative, most distraught superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was _____ after hearing the news.
Etymology
From Middle English distraught, a blend of distract (in an older sense meaning "pulled apart mentally") and straught, an old past participle of stretch — so originally something like "stretched to breaking point."
Rhymes for distraught
See all rhymes for distraught →Frequently asked questions
What does “distraught” mean?
The word “distraught” means extremely upset, worried, or overwhelmed with emotion. In plain terms, so upset or distressed that you can barely function.
How do you pronounce “distraught”?
“Distraught” is pronounced dihs-TRAWT (/dɪsˈtɹɔːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “distraught” in a sentence?
Here is “distraught” used in a sentence: “She was distraught after hearing the news.”
What part of speech is “distraught”?
“Distraught” is an adjective.
Where does the word “distraught” come from?
The word “distraught” comes from Middle English. From Middle English distraught, a blend of distract (in an older sense meaning "pulled apart mentally") and straught, an old past participle of stretch — so originally something like "stretched to breaking point.".
Is “distraught” a common word?
“Distraught” is an uncommon word in modern English.