WordGarden.ioanguish
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/
US
- /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/
Meanings
Noun
severe emotional pain or distress
Verb
to suffer intense emotional distress
Beyond the definition
Anguish isn't just sadness; it is a crushing, overwhelming emotional or physical pain. Think of the anguish a mother feels when she loses a child, or the sheer torment of being trapped in a desperate situation. It goes beyond simple hurt—it is a deep, penetrating suffering that can feel almost unbearable.
The word often carries a sense of helplessness and desperation. You might see anguish expressed through tears, cries, or physical distress. While we often associate anguish with grief, it can also arise from guilt, regret, or intense fear. Shakespeare frequently used the term to describe the inner turmoil of his characters—a king wrestling with betrayal, a lover consumed by jealousy.
Anguish describes extreme mental or physical suffering—a pain so profound that it overwhelms and consumes a person. It is more than just sadness or discomfort; it is a deep, agonizing torment that can feel almost unbearable. Think of the anguish felt by someone facing a life-threatening illness, enduring a terrible loss, or grappling with immense guilt.
The word often implies a sense of helplessness and desperation. While physical pain can certainly cause anguish, it is most commonly used to describe intense emotional distress—a feeling of being utterly brokenhearted, tormented, or consumed by worry.
Historically, "anguish" comes from the Latin angere, meaning "to choke" or "squeeze," which vividly captures the suffocating sensation often associated with this powerful emotion. You will find it frequently used in literature and poetry to depict characters facing profound suffering. For example, a character might be described as being "racked with anguish" after receiving devastating news.
Anguish isn't something you experience lightly; it is a deeply unsettling state of being that can leave lasting scars. It is often used in contexts involving loss, betrayal, or moral dilemmas—situations where the pain cuts to the very core of one's being. So when you encounter "anguish," remember it signifies a level of suffering far beyond ordinary sadness or discomfort—a truly devastating and overwhelming experience.
Examples
- 1
Waiting for results
She waited in anguish for the test results.
- 2
Disaster
His family watched in anguish as the house burned.
- 3
Missing person
The novel captures a mother's anguish after her son goes missing.
- 4
Workplace decision
The decision caused a lot of anguish among the staff.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Difficult choice
She anguished over whether she had done the right thing.
- Patternanguish over + question/decision
feel deep worry or pain about it
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- anguishnounverb