The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word AGITATED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
A
G
I
T
A
T
E
D
More clues leading to the result AGITATED
- Uneasy, having stirred up trouble
- Upset at soldier interrupting special date
- Nervy old hosts backing mime artist
- Worried by area — see it secured all round
- A crowd gathering round relations daughter upset
- A fool picking the wrong date becomes distressed
- Disturbed American fool polished off by Democratic leader
- A good place to see art I’d framed in a state
- A good place to see art in 11 in a state
- Anxious Australian soldier thanks Edward
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "distressed" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case distressed = agitated.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does AGITATED mean?
AGITATED verb- To disturb or excite; to perturb or stir up (a person).
- To cause to move with a violent, irregular action; to shake.
- To set in motion; to actuate.
- To discuss or debate.
- To revolve in the mind, or view in all its aspects; to consider, to devise.
- Angry, annoyed, bothered or worked up.
- (of a solution or substance) Violently and chaotically moving around, such as because of being shaken.