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.

The deaths of her grandparents in quick succession left her so distraught — they had raised her — that she never finished her dissertation.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Poursaid, still distraught, said that the family is now leaving the area after their neighbours, fearing further strikes, were reluctant to rent to them.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

When she botched the final jump of her otherwise faultless short program, it was the shattering of her dream that left Glenn more distraught than the score that dropped her to 13th place.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

The distraught 25-year-old valiantly tried to continue but ultimately quit when trailing 6-2 3-2.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

But when those parents find out Theo's secret, they’re distraught.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

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