agony

ag·o·ny

noun \ˈa-gə-nē\

plural ag·o·nies

Definition of AGONY

1

a : intense pain of mind or body : anguish, torture b : the struggle that precedes death

2

: a violent struggle or contest

3

: a strong sudden display (as of joy or delight) : outburst

Examples of AGONY

1. She was in terrible agony after breaking her leg.
2. The medicine relieves the agony of muscle cramps very quickly.
3. It was agony to watch him suffer like that.

Origin of AGONY

Middle English agonie, from Late Latin agonia, from Greek agōnia struggle, anguish, from agōn gathering, contest for a prize, from agein to lead, celebrate — more at agent

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to AGONY

Synonyms: hell, Gehenna, horror, misery, murder, nightmare, torment, torture

Antonyms: heaven, paradise

Related Words: affliction, calvary, cross, curse, ordeal, trial, tribulation; calamity, misfortune, tragedy; gall, thorn; bummer, downer, drag

Near Antonyms: delight, diversion, entertainment, fun, joy, pleasure, recreation; lark, picnic, riot

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at distress