throe
[throh]
noun
a violent spasm or pang; paroxysm.
a sharp attack of emotion.
throes,
- any violent convulsion or struggle: the throes of battle.
- the agony of death.
- the pains of childbirth.
Origin of throe
1150–1200; Middle English throwe, alteration of thrawe (-o- from Old English thrōwian to suffer, be in pain), Old English thrawu; cognate with Old Norse thrā (in līkthrā leprosy)
Synonyms for throe
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for throe
Historical Examples of throe
“You will not throe me off my guard thus,” said Henry, sternly.
Gascoyne, the Sandal-Wood TraderR.M. Ballantyne
Every throe of the sick girl seemed to penetrate her own body.
Miss Ravenel's conversion from secession to loyaltyJ. W. de Forest
Nothing in his life, no throe of passion or gratification, had been like this.
CythereaJoseph Hergesheimer
Something surged in him like the throe of the river where the ship went in.
The Cup of FuryRupert Hughes
She was startled by the throe of pitiful regret that seized her.
Shadows of FlamesAmelie Rives
throe
noun
Word Origin for throe
Old English thrāwu threat; related to Old High German drawa threat, Old Norse thrā desire, thrauka to endure
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
throe
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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