The term 'Distressed Cries' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: YOWLS (5 letters) and OYS (3 letters). Yowls are loud, long, and drawn-out cries of distress or pain. They are often associated with animals such as cats, dogs, and wolves, but humans can also make this sound. Oys is a Yiddish word that is used to express surprise, dismay, or distress. It is usually used in response to something unexpected or unpleasant.