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.

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

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

Hilda witnesses the crime and is so distraught that her moral certitude temporarily deserts her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

She cried in anguish and pain after her awful fall high up the course, medical staff surrounding the distraught 41-year-old on the Olimpia delle Tofane piste where has enjoyed much success in the past.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

Tufts of white hair sprouted from either side of his otherwise bald head like some distraught nebulous fungi.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older

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