distressing

/dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ/

/dɪˈstrɛsɪŋ/

Something that's distressing makes you feel sad, upset, or worried. A distressing phone call from your dad might involve him telling you your grandma is in the hospital.

When something causes distress, "anxiety, sorrow, or pain," you can describe it as distressing. Both words come from the Vulgar Latin districtia, "restraint, affliction, or narrowness," from distringere, "draw apart or hinder" in Latin. Distressing headlines in the newspaper convey terrible news, and distressing text messages from your friend might make you worry for her safety.

Definitions of distressing

1. adjective

   bad; unfortunate
   synonyms: deplorable, lamentable, pitiful, sad, sorry

   bad

   having undesirable or negative qualities
2. adjective

   causing distress or worry or anxiety
   “distressing (or disturbing) news”

   synonyms: distressful, disturbing, perturbing, troubling, worrisome, worrying

   heavy

   marked by great psychological weight; weighted down especially with sadness or troubles or weariness