agony

American  

[ag-uh-nee] / ˈæg ə ni /

noun

plural

agonies

1. extreme and generally prolonged pain; intense physical or mental suffering.

   Synonyms:

   torture, torment, anguish

   Antonyms:

   pleasure, ease, comfort

2. a display or outburst of intense mental or emotional excitement.

   an agony of joy.

   Synonyms:

   paroxysm

3. the struggle preceding natural death.

   mortal agony.

4. a violent struggle.

5. Theology. Often Agony the sufferings of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane.

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agony British  

/ ˈæɡənɪ /

noun

1. acute physical or mental pain; anguish

2. the suffering or struggle preceding death

3. informal to exaggerate one's distress for sympathy or greater effect

4. (modifier) relating to or advising on personal problems about which people have written to the media

   agony column

   agony writer

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Usage

What does agony mean? Agony is extreme pain or suffering, especially the kind that lasts for a long time. The word anguish is a close synonym.Agony can be physical or emotional. A person who has just broken their leg and a person who has just experienced the death of a loved one could both be said to be in agony—in a state of extreme pain or suffering.However, agony is perhaps more commonly used in the context of emotional pain (in which case it often likens such suffering to intense physical pain).The verb agonize can mean to be in agony, but it most commonly means to put forth a great effort—to struggle or strive, as in She’s been agonizing about what to get you for your birthday.The adjective agonizing means filled with or resulting in agony, as in agonizing pain.  Agony also has a few other meanings that are much less common. It can mean an outburst of intense emotional excitement, even a positive one, as in an agony of joy. It can also mean an intense or violent struggle, as in He was in an agony of indecision. More specifically, it can refer to the struggle or suffering that precedes death.Example: I hope you’ll never have to experience the sheer agony of losing a child.

Related Words

See pain.

Etymology

Origin of agony

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English agonye (from Anglo-French ), from Late Latin agōnia, from Greek, equivalent to agṓn “struggle” + -ia noun suffix: agon, -y ³

Example Sentences

The 30-year-old Serbian superstar collapsed to the court in agony after his left leg appeared to buckle after Jones stepped on his foot while attempting to defend a drive.

From Barron's

But osteoporosis has made her bones brittle, while arthritis and back problems sometimes cause agony.

From The Wall Street Journal

With the agony of past heartbreak flooding back, McIlroy held his nerve to birdie the first play-off hole and win his first Masters.

From BBC

I just bent over and, on rising, was halted by the grip of agony on my lower spine.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s agony in Ann Arbor, a cautionary tale unfolding in real time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• anguish
• misery
• passion
• torment
• torture
• woe