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.

---

Etymology

Origin of distress call

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Earlier this month, the South African government confirmed it had received distress calls from 17 of its citizens trapped in Donbas after being lured to join mercenary forces on the promise of lucrative contracts.

From BBC

South Africa's government previously said it had received distress calls from 17 citizens who had joined mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

From BBC

It said the Irish Coast Guard received a distress call from a UK naval support vessel before 09:00 on Saturday.

From BBC

South Africa's government says it has received distress calls from 17 citizens who have joined mercenary forces in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

From BBC

Microphones recorded 21 distress calls from the robin, followed by 23 minutes of chewing as the bat flew low, feeding on the wing.

From Science Daily