distress signal

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.

distress signal

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of distress signal¹

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.

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

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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".

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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.

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

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Related Words

• warning signal www.thesaurus.com