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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

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

A horrible moment for Diaz, who looked distraught as he was handed the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer by Fifa president Gianni Infantino at the end of the game.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

Managing the logistics and soothing the distraught women, prosecutors allege, was Jennifer Powers, 45, a former model for Hawaiian Tropic and substitute teacher who was arrested along with Rubin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

Alice Paul’s fellow suffragists were distraught about how she was being treated.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling