Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

Legal Definition of emotional distress: a highly unpleasant emotional reaction (as anguish, humiliation, or fury) which results from another's conduct and for which damages may be sought. — called also emotional harm, mental anguish, mental distress, mental disturbance, mental suffering. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

This case presents us with a novel question involving First Amendment limitations upon a State’s authority to protect its citizens from the intentional infliction of emotional distress. We must decide whether a public figure may recover damages for emotional harm caused by the publication of an ad parody offensive to him, and doubtless gross and repugnant in the eyes of most. (Law & Crime)

Emotional distress damages are monetary damages that are designed to compensate you for emotional harm that you suffered. Let’s say for example that you had sleepless nights, or strains in your family relations, or reputational harm. (Zuckerman Law)