Agonize: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is feeling extreme mental or emotional pain over a decision or situation. It often involves prolonged and intense thinking.

• She agonized over whether to move to a new city for her job.
• He spent the whole night agonizing about the upcoming exam.

Typically used when someone is feeling anxious or concerned about something that might happen. It usually involves fear or uncertainty.

• She worries about her children constantly.
• Don't worry; I'm sure everything will be fine.

Often used to describe a difficult effort or a hard fight against challenges or obstacles. It can be physical, mental, or emotional.

• She struggled to finish her work before the deadline.
• The company struggled to stay afloat during the recession.

Refers to severe mental or physical suffering. It usually signifies a deeper and more profound level of pain or distress.

• The loss of his pet dog filled him with deep anguish.
• She could not hide her anguish when she heard the bad news.

Use this word when someone is experiencing intense mental or emotional pain and is struggling to make a difficult decision or cope with a situation.

• She agonized over the choice for days.
• He was agonizing about his future.

This term is used when referring to experiencing pain, distress, or hardship, often over a longer period of time and implies a significant level of discomfort.

• Many people suffer from chronic illnesses.
• She suffers every time she thinks about the past.

This word is appropriate when describing the ability to withstand or bear a difficult situation or long-term suffering with patience and resilience.

• They had to endure many hardships during their journey.
• She endured years of physical therapy after the accident.

Use 'hurt' when referring to physical injury or emotional pain. It is a more general term and can describe both mild and severe discomfort.

• My arm hurts after the fall.
• His words really hurt her feelings.