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

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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Sea Story, a live-aboard used mainly for maritime activities, sent a distress signal after a large wave crashed into the boat, causing it to capsize.

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Six people were on board the Naddoddur when it got into trouble on Tuesday evening, on the fourth day of the trip, and a distress signal was sent.

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Related Words

• warning signal www.thesaurus.com