noun. a state of extreme distress.
noun. ['ˈstreɪts'] a difficult juncture.
noun. ['ˈstreɪts'] a bad or difficult situation or state of affairs.
adjective. ['ˈdaɪr, ˈdaɪɝ'] fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless.
adjective. ['ˈdaɪr, ˈdaɪɝ'] causing fear or dread or terror.