Definitions

distraught

[dih-strawt] / dɪˈstrɔt /

ADJECTIVE

very upset, worked-up

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitated anxious concerned confused crazy distressed frantic hysterical mad perturbed tormented troubled

WEAK

addled beside oneself bothered crazed discomposed distracted distrait flustered harassed in a panic like a chicken with its head cut off muddled nonplussed nuts out of one's mind overwrought rattled raving shook-up thrown unglued unscrewed unzipped wild worried

Antonyms

STRONGEST

balanced calm collected composed cool happy peaceful reasonable sane sound unconcerned untroubled unworried

WEAK

gladdened pleased

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A distraught Wardley sank to his knees as Dubois celebrated capturing the WBO heavyweight title.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

“There is absolutely no precedent to what is happening now,” said Mohamed Arrachedi, the union’s Middle East coordinator, who receives 60 to 70 new WhatsApp messages daily from distraught sailors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

As they await a final ruling, her community in Georgia remains distraught.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

So with thoughtful invention, Ozon gives the distraught Djemila — the murdered Algerian’s sister, unnamed in the book — a voice to go with her ignored status.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

And Mom’s distraught, and for the first time in a long time is actually asking Heidi for advice.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

Vocabulary lists containing distraught

The Great Gatsby

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100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"

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