distress signal

American  

noun

1. a signal used, or designed to be used, by persons in peril, for the purpose of summoning aid, indicating their position, etc., as a radio code sign, aerial flare, flag hoist, or the like.

2. an indication, especially a nonverbal one, that assistance, cooperation, or the like, is needed.

   He correctly interpreted the host's upturned eyes as a distress signal and hastily changed the subject.

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distress signal British  

noun

1. a signal by radio, Very light, etc from a ship or other vessel in need of immediate assistance

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Etymology

Origin of distress signal

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

"For too long, the world has been caught in a cycle of negotiations, while the planet's distress signal grows louder. While dialogue is important, action is imperative," he wrote.

From BBC

According to BBC Turkish, Georgia's aviation authority said the aircraft disappeared from radar without issuing a distress signal.

From BBC

Prior to that, it accused the Israeli military of "intentionally damaging ship communications, in an attempt to block distress signals and stop the livestream of their illegal boat boarding".

From BBC

Father-of-five Charles Todd, 73, sent out a distress signal from his yacht on 25 January amid fierce weather brought on by Storm Herminia in the area of the Bay of Biscay.

From BBC

However, according to local authorities, a distress signal was not received until about 05:30 - a further factor which may have cost lives.

From BBC

Related Words

• warning signal