distress call

distress call
1. a prearranged communication code sign indicating that the sender is in a situation of peril, distress, or the like, as SOS, Mayday, etc. Cf. distress signal (def. 1).
2. a communication prompted by or indicating distress: The hospital sent out distress calls for all available stocks of the antitoxin.
[1910-15]

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • distress call — noun an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed • Syn: ↑distress signal • Hypernyms: ↑signal, ↑signaling, ↑sign • Hyponyms: ↑SOS, ↑Mayday …   Useful english dictionary

  • distress call — /dəsˈtrɛs kɔl/ (say duhs tres kawl) noun 1. an international code sign indicating that the sender is in danger or difficulty, as Mayday or SOS. 2. any communication indicating distress: the police sent out a distress call for blood donors …  

  • distress call — call for help …   English contemporary dictionary

  • distress — noun ADJECTIVE ▪ acute, considerable, deep, extreme, great, immense (BrE), severe, significant ▪ genuine, real …   Collocations dictionary

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  • distress — dis|tress1 [ dı stres ] noun uncount ** 1. ) a feeling that you have when you are very unhappy, worried, or upset: I wouldn t want to cause her any distress. in distress: She d arrived on Gina s doorstep in obvious distress. a ) great pain 2. ) a …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • distress — [[t]dɪstre̱s[/t]] distresses, distressing, distressed 1) N UNCOUNT Distress is a state of extreme sorrow, suffering, or pain. Jealousy causes distress and painful emotions... Her mouth grew stiff with pain and distress. Syn: suffering 2) N… …   English dictionary

  • distress signal — 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. Cf. distress call (def. 1). 2. an indication, esp. a… …   Universalium

  • distress signal — noun an internationally recognized signal sent out by a ship or plane indicating that help is needed • Syn: ↑distress call • Hypernyms: ↑signal, ↑signaling, ↑sign • Hyponyms: ↑SOS, ↑Mayday …   Useful english dictionary

  • Distress signal — Call for help redirects here. For the TV show, see Call for Help. A distress signal is an internationally recognized means for obtaining help. Distress signals take the form of or are commonly made by using radio signals, displaying a visually… …   Wikipedia

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