distraught

[ dih-strawt ]

adjective

1. distracted; deeply agitated.
2. mentally deranged; crazed.

distraught

/ dɪˈstrɔːt /

adjective

1. distracted or agitated
2. rare.
   mad

Other Words From

• dis·traughtly adverb
• over·dis·traught adjective
• undis·traught adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of distraught¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English variant of obsolete distract “distracted,” by association with straught, old past participle of stretch; distract

Word History and Origins

Origin of distraught¹

C14: changed from obsolete distract through influence of obsolete straught, past participle of stretch

Example Sentences

She encouraged those distraught over the election to seek spaces of healing and pledged UC’s “unwavering commitment” to continue serving society with higher learning, research and public service.

From Los Angeles Times

Many Muslim Americans are understandably distraught about U.S. policy in the Middle East.

From Los Angeles Times

In a critical piece that accused Find a Grave of backing “bad actors and bad data,” OneZero reported that a “distraught parent” posted a complaint about Find a Grave back in 2010 after they discovered an online memorial to their dead 6-year-old child.

From Slate

When he sees and hears about what he has done, he is distraught and contrite.

From Los Angeles Times

The protest campaign, which began as a Michigan-focused effort, encouraged distraught voters to choose "uncommitted" or "no preference" when voting in their states' Democratic primaries to apply pressure on the Biden administration for an arms embargo and to press Israel for a permanent ceasefire.

From Salon

Related Words

• agitated
• anxious
• concerned
• confused
• crazy
• distressed
• frantic
• hysterical
• mad
• perturbed
• tormented
• troubled