distress call

American  

noun

1. a prearranged communication code sign indicating that the sender is in a situation of peril, distress, or the like, as SOS, Mayday, etc.

2. a communication prompted by or indicating distress.

   The hospital sent out distress calls for all available stocks of the antitoxin.

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Etymology

Origin of distress call

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The frigate had issued a distress call at dawn on Wednesday but had completely sunk by the time a Sri Lankan rescue ship reached the area.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

William Carlos Williams, “Anna Karenina,” Katherine Anne Porter, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Cats,” Foghorn Leghorn: all get shoutouts here, a collective distress call that fails to move us.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 22, 2025

In Ridley Scott’s 1979 film “Alien,” the crew of the Nostromo rouses from slumber to answer a distress call that spells their doom.

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2025

The pilot did not signal any problems with the aircraft and did not issue a distress call in the recordings reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

They were ready to send their distress call.

From Hanging by a Thread by Garrett, Randall