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.

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

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Or should she support a distraught mother’s efforts to save her daughter?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Verified videos showed severe damage to a cafe in the centre of Tehran and the shop's distraught owner inspecting the ruins.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 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

In spite of her distraught state, Laila almost laughed.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

Vocabulary lists containing distraught

The Great Gatsby

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!