distress signal

noun

1. a signal used, or designed to be used, by persons in peril, for the purpose of summoning aid, indicating their position, etc., as a radio code sign, aerial flare, flag hoist, or the like. Compare distress call ( def 1 ).
2. an indication, especially a nonverbal one, that assistance, cooperation, or the like, is needed:

   He correctly interpreted the host's upturned eyes as a distress signal and hastily changed the subject.

distress signal

noun

1. a signal by radio, Very light, etc from a ship or other vessel in need of immediate assistance

Word History and Origins

Origin of distress signal¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Six people were on board the Naddoddur when it got into trouble on Tuesday evening, on the fourth day of the trip, and a distress signal was sent.

From BBC

Only minutes after sending a distress signal on 25 August, the ship had sunk in heavy seas.

From BBC

It apparently drifted in the rough seas and was blown by the strong wind, and the captain sent a distress signal about five hours later, saying his ship hit the rocks, the coast guard said.

From Seattle Times

There was no crew on board the barge and the Coast Guard said it had not received any distress signals.

From BBC

Rescue boats were dispatched to the area after the vessel issued a distress signal before dawn and communications with it were lost, the minister said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• warning signal