anguish

[ang-gwish]

noun

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

   the anguish of grief.

   Synonyms: torture, torment, agony
   Antonyms: relief, comfort, delight

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

/ ˈæŋɡwɪʃ /

noun

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

verb

1. to afflict or be afflicted with anguish

Word History and Origins

Origin of anguish¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of anguish¹

C13: from Old French angoisse a strangling, from Latin angustia narrowness, from angustus narrow

Synonym Study

See pain.

Example Sentences

She cut an anguished figure throughout January's Australian Open final, where she was out-hit by Madison Keys.

From BBC

“Nowhere Is Where” is silent but lethal, Price’s gorgeously textured voice over an acoustic guitar, small harmonies on the chorus, an upright bass over in the corner, a fiddle underscoring the anguish.

From Salon

This fiery debut from the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright grapples with April’s anguished question: “How, God? How could love look like leaving?”

From Los Angeles Times

A compulsive diarist, Odell observed that his "anguish" about the news was affecting his day-to-day relationships.

From BBC

The anguish and division on both sides has been deeply felt and that big question of trust will need to be overcome.

From BBC

Related Words

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