distress call

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of distress call¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

He also led submarine rescue operations, responding to distress calls from people trapped underwater.

From BBC

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

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

Mr Inman added that air traffic control attempted to contact the pilot several times but received no response or distress call.

From BBC

The Sheriff’s Department received a distress call at 3:45 p.m., but Curtis was already dead by the time deputies arrived, according to sheriff’s spokesperson Elise Soviar.

From Los Angeles Times