Makes parallel distress signal (6)

I believe the answer is:

aligns

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'makes parallel' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to change as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'distress signal' is the wordplay.
'distress' indicates anagramming the letters.
'signal' with letters rearranged gives 'ALIGNS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aligns that I've seen before include "Lines up" , "Arranges in a straight row" , "Arranges in signal" , "Joins forces" , "Makes (a policy) fit (with another)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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