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 elderly Peggy invites the distraught traveler back to her welcoming old house to restore herself.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

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

From BBC • May 9, 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

Thompson’s Barkley comforted a distraught faux-Bondi by saying she could have a future in sports.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

They knew they were close when the beauty of their surroundings was jarred by the loud weeping and wailing of distraught family members.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

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