Agonize: meaning, definitions and examples

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agonize

 

[ ˈaɡəˌnaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

mental struggle

To agonize means to suffer mental anguish or worry intensely. It is often associated with a prolonged and intense struggle or conflict within one's mind.

Synonyms

anguish, struggle, worry

Examples of usage

  • She agonized over the decision for days before finally making up her mind.
  • He agonized about whether to tell her the truth or keep it to himself.
Context #2 | Verb

physical pain

To agonize can also refer to experiencing intense physical pain or discomfort. It implies a state of suffering or distress.

Synonyms

endure, hurt, suffer

Examples of usage

  • The patient agonized in pain as the doctors tried to alleviate his symptoms.
  • Her twisted ankle caused her to agonize with every step.

Translations

Translations of the word "agonize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agonizar

🇮🇳 पीड़ा सहना

🇩🇪 sich quälen

🇮🇩 merana

🇺🇦 страждати

🇵🇱 cierpieć

🇯🇵 苦しむ

🇫🇷 agoniser

🇪🇸 agonizar

🇹🇷 ıstırap çekmek

🇰🇷 괴로워하다

🇸🇦 تعذب

🇨🇿 trápit se

🇸🇰 trápiť sa

🇨🇳 煎熬

🇸🇮 trpeti

🇮🇸 kveljast

🇰🇿 азап шегу

🇬🇪 სტაციონირება

🇦🇿 əziyyət çəkmək

🇲🇽 agonizar

Etymology

The word 'agonize' has its origins in the Greek word 'agonizesthai', which means 'to contend in the athletic games' or 'to struggle'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of intense mental or physical struggle. The term gained popularity in English in the 16th century and has since been used to describe both emotional and physical anguish.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,552, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.