adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of anguished
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at anguish, -ed 3
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” one of the greatest plays from August Wilson’s majestic cycle exploring the African-American experience in the 20th century, virtually all the characters are in an anguished search for something.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
"Come and help me! I'm on the front line in Ukraine, I'm fighting for Russia," he begged Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema in an anguished voice message sent to his parents.
From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026
It’s the emotional place where all the stories in this spirited, anguished book begins.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026
Daryll Olde is one of the anguished people pleading for answers about what happened to his dog, Tiny.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026
Maddie swallowed—she had no idea where the anguished cries for help were coming from.
From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
