1. Intense physical or emotional suffering; acute anguish or pain
The patient was in severe distress after the accident.
O paciente estava em angústia severa após o acidente.
2. A state of extreme difficulty or hardship, particularly in maritime or emergency contexts
The ship sent out a mayday call, indicating severe distress.
O navio enviou um pedido de socorro, indicando angústia severa.
3. Extreme anxiety or worry about a situation
She was in severe distress about her missing child.
Ela estava em angústia severa sobre seu filho desaparecido.