anguish

American  

[ang-gwish] / ˈæŋ gwɪʃ /

noun

1. excruciating or acute distress, suffering, or pain.

   the anguish of grief.

   Synonyms:

   torture, torment, agony

   Antonyms:

   relief, comfort, delight

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verb (used with object)

1. to inflict with distress, suffering, or pain.

verb (used without object)

1. to suffer, feel, or exhibit anguish.

   to anguish over the loss of a loved one.

anguish British  

/ ˈæŋɡwɪʃ /

noun

1. extreme pain or misery; mental or physical torture; agony

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verb

1. to afflict or be afflicted with anguish

Related Words

See pain.

Etymology

Origin of anguish

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English anguisse, from Old French, from Latin angustia “tight place,” from angust(us) “narrow” + -ia -ia; anxious

Example Sentences

Within the first 72 hours of a 26-day game, “Survivor 50,” featuring 24 veteran players, had already delivered feuding, anguish and heartbreak.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green captured the anguish and humanity of the betrayed King Marke, though he was underpowered in comparison with the others.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

But the most decorated alpine skier of all time cruised to victory this time and put years of Olympic anguish behind her to deliver on the big stage.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

Among the many faulty narratives that orbited out of the government, one asked us to consider the mental anguish suffered by these dispatched officers.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2026

I thought about the anguish that must still create for her parents.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Related Words

• agony
• grief
• heartache
• heartbreak
• misery
• sorrow
• suffering
• torment
• woe