agony

[ag-uh-nee]

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.

agony

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of agony¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of agony¹

C14: via Late Latin from Greek agōnia struggle, from agōn contest

Synonym Study

See pain.

Example Sentences

“I Know This Much to Be True” does not protect the viewer from the main character’s pain, and Ruffalo’s transformation of that agony into art is a gift.

From Salon

The BBC has spoken to families of people reported missing and those who have died, and they have relayed their agony over missing loved ones.

From BBC

“He was very convincing, and he has a charismatic quality as an actor. And I’m surprised he wanted to go into politics. Politics is nothing but headaches and critical decisions and agony.”

From Los Angeles Times

Cunningham also addressed a photo, taken by David Butler II for Imagn Images, from immediately after the injury occurred that some think shows Hartley smiling while Cunningham is holding her leg in agony.

From Los Angeles Times

By the time Charlotte graduated from university with a health and human sciences degree, she remembers being in physical agony almost constantly.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.