distress signal
distress signal — noun
1. a formal communication — such as a radio message, a flare, or a flag display — s
a formal communication — such as a radio message, a flare, or a flag display — sent by a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle that faces immediate life-threatening danger and requires urgent rescue assistance.
The fishing boat sent a distress signal on the emergency channel as it began to sink off Taiwan.
collocation: send a distress signal
Air traffic control in Singapore received a distress signal from a cargo plane whose cabin had lost pressure.
collocation: receive a distress signal
Without working radios, the sailors used a mirror to flash a distress signal at a passing helicopter.
Rodrigo heard a distress signal crackle over his radio while on night watch at the coast guard station.
- distress call
refers more narrowly to a spoken or transmitted verbal message rather than any type of sign or display
- mayday
the international spoken distress code word, used specifically in voice radio communications by aircraft and ships
- SOS
the Morse-code signal (···---···) historically used in telegraphy; now a general term for urgent pleas for help
文法句型
distress signal + verb (send/receive/broadcast)
用法筆記
This sense refers specifically to technical emergency communications from ships, aircraft, or other vehicles. For the broader behavioural or emotional meaning — where a person's actions, words, or changes in behaviour signal that they need help — see sense 2 (CRY FOR HELP).
2. any spoken statement, written message, gesture, or change in behaviour through w
any spoken statement, written message, gesture, or change in behaviour through which a person makes it known that they are in a dangerous or deeply difficult situation and want assistance.
Leila's sudden silence with her friends was a quiet distress signal that something was wrong.
metaphorical use: behaviour as a distress signal
Tara's normally cheerful posts on social media stopped entirely, which her close friends read as a distress signal.
behavioural change as a distress signal
Repeatedly missing deadlines can be a distress signal that an employee feels overwhelmed at work.
Aiko's tearful note to her teacher was a distress signal that something was wrong at home.
- cry for help
less formal and usually implies an emotional or psychological plea rather than a practical one
- plea for help
emphasises a verbal or written request rather than a subtle behavioural sign
文法句型
be a distress signal
act as a distress signal
interpret something as a distress signal
用法筆記
This sense describes human behaviour, emotional cues, or non-technical signs of trouble — it is not limited to vehicles or formal emergency systems. Distinguish from sense 1 (DANGER CALL), which refers specifically to technical communications from ships, aircraft, or vehicles.