distressful
UK: dɪˈstresfəl | US: dɪˈstresfəl
adj. causing distress or suffering; full of distress
adj. characterized by or indicative of distress
The word "distressful" combines "distress," derived from Old French destresse (meaning "hardship" or "constraint," from Latin districtia—"restraint" or "oppression"), with the suffix "-ful," from Old English -full (meaning "full of"). The morpheme "distress" evolved to signify severe emotional or physical suffering, while "-ful" transforms it into an adjective describing something that causes or embodies such suffering. The logical progression reflects a shift from literal constraint (Latin) to emotional anguish (modern usage).
The distressful news of the accident left everyone in shock.
Her distressful cries could be heard throughout the house.
The film depicted the distressful conditions of war refugees.
He wrote a distressful letter describing his financial struggles.
The patient's distressful symptoms required immediate attention.