distress signal
37
3.1
- noun
- /dɪˈstrɛs ˈsɪɡnəl/
- Specialized
:
señal de socorro
- When the yacht was capsizing, the crew activated a distress signal to call for help.
- send a distress signal
- pick up distress signals
- receive a distress signal
And as he's flying the plane, he calls in the distress signal and he says, you know, my windshield has imploded.
- And as he's flying the plane, he calls in the distress signal and he says, you know, my windshield has imploded.
- So he takes his airplane up and he calls in a distress signal saying the windshield imploded.
Examples
-
We picked up a distress signal.
Blog text (31) -
The wreckage is barely able to provide shelter, and the distress signal is weak, but there is still hope for rescue.
Blog text (17) -
The international distress signal is simple, very easy to do.
-
You sent the distress signal.
-
Send out a distress signal!
Fiction book (1997) -
We heard your distress signal.
Fiction book (1992) -
Lieutenant Marcus, send out a distress signal.
-
We've come in response to your distress signal.
-
Patricia is trying to send a distress signal on the radio.
Fiction book (1990) -
S.O.S. was a radio distress signal that ships used, a cry for help that one's ship was in danger.
Blog text (11)
Synonyms
70
6.7
A radio call that people use worldwide to ask for urgent help from ships or aircraft
42
3.9
A signal sent by a ship, plane, or person to ask for urgent help
1
3.2
Ways to send important information during a crisis to keep people safe
A sign or action that shows you need help in an emergency, like waving arms
How Urgent
15
3.7
- Specialized
37
3.1
- Specialized
1
4.1
59
1.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a signal indicating emergency help is needed' is directly derivable from combining 'distress' (danger/suffering) with 'signal' (a cue or sign). This is a straightforward noun+noun composition following common cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Distress signal comes from the clear image of someone sending a bright light, a flag, or a radio message to show they are in danger. So distress means 'danger' and signal means 'a call', and together the phrase means 'an emergency call for help'.