1. (Noun): A state of extreme sorrow or suffering, often caused by misfortune, danger, or pain.
* Example: "The news of her father's death caused her great distress."
2. (Noun): A signal or call for help, often used in maritime contexts.
* Example: "The ship sent out a distress signal when it ran aground."
3. (Verb): To cause pain, suffering, or anxiety.
* Example: "The loud noise distressed the baby."
4. (Verb): To seize goods or property to pay a debt. (This is a legal term)
* Example: "The creditor was able to distrain the debtor's property."
If you were thinking of a different word, please provide more context or a sentence where you saw it used.