the seizure and holding of property as security for payment of a debt or satisfaction of a claim; "Originally distress was a landlord's remedy against a tenant for unpaid rents or property damage but now the landlord is given a landlord's lien"
psychological suffering; "the death of his wife caused him great distress"
extreme physical pain; "the patient appeared to be in distress"
a state of adversity (danger or affliction or need); "a ship in distress"; "she was the classic maiden in distress"
cause mental pain to; "The news of her child's illness distressed the mother"
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one; "finds himself in a most awkward predicament"; "the woeful plight of homeless people"
a question raised for consideration or solution; "our homework consisted of ten problems to solve"
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved; "she and her husband are having problems"; "it is always a job to contact him"; "urban problems such as traffic congestion and smog"