anguish
ANG-gwish
/ˈæŋ.ɡwɪʃ/
Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
Represents an intense, sharp, squeezing agony of mind or body.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'angere' (to choke or strangle). Anguish literally describes the suffocating, chest-tightening constriction people feel during severe emotional agony.
Word relationships
- agony: Agony often focuses on intense physical or final struggle.
- torment: Torment implies severe continuous suffering often inflicted from outside.
- ecstasy: Ecstasy is an overwhelming state of intense joyful feeling.
- bliss: Bliss is supreme, undisturbed happiness.
Commonly confused with
- anxiety: Anxiety is nervous apprehension about future uncertainty, whereas anguish is sharp current distress or torment.
Word family
- anguished (adjective): Feeling or expressing severe mental or physical pain.
Collocations
- mental anguish
- cry of anguish
- excruciating anguish
- expression of anguish
Idioms & expressions
- wrung with grief
- heart-wrenching
Example sentences
- "She cried out in anguish when she learned that her father's ship had been lost at sea." Dramatic novel
- "The anguish of separation haunted the refugees for decades." Historical memoir
Memory hook
ANGer and distress squished into an ANGUISH that chokes you. Choking, squeezing agony.
When not to use
Do not use for mild inconvenience or light worry.
Fun facts
- 'Angina' (heart chest pain) and 'anxiety' come from the exact same Latin root meaning to strangle!
Related words
Explore more words
hardship, dread, apprehensive, poignant, shriek, devastation
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