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Agonize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฃ
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agonize

[หˆaษกษ™หŒnaษชz ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
agonize

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.
worry

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.
struggle

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.
anguish

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.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
agonize

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.
suffer

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.
endure

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.
hurt

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.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing prolonged worry can lead to mental fatigue, where the mind feels overwhelmed by persistent concerns.
  • Agonizing thoughts are often associated with anxiety disorders, where individuals may find it hard to break free from cycles of worry.
  • Therapists often suggest mindfulness and distraction techniques to help individuals cope with and alleviate feelings of distress.

Literature

  • Various literary works depict characters agonizing over moral dilemmas, enriching themes of conflict and personal growth.
  • William Shakespeare frequently explored the theme of internal struggle, showcasing characters in a state of deep emotional distress.
  • Contemporary novels often capture the essence of 'agonizing' moments to create tension and engage readers' empathy for characters.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often portray characters agonizing over relationship decisions, creating dramatic and relatable story arcs.
  • Popular songs frequently feature lyrics that express feelings of agony, reflecting love, loss, or existential questions and resonating with listeners.
  • In video games, characters sometimes face choices that lead to agonizing outcomes, emphasizing the weight of decision-making in immersive narratives.

Health

  • Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to both mental and physical health issues, emphasizing the importance of addressing feelings of agony.
  • Agonizing over health decisions is common, with many individuals finding it difficult to choose between treatment options or lifestyle changes.
  • Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of seeking help when feelings of agony persist, as support can significantly improve well-being.

Origin of 'agonize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'agon,' which means 'contest' or 'struggle,' reflecting the intense emotional fight one can experience.
  • In ancient Greece, 'agon' was also linked to athletic competitions, highlighting the struggle felt both physically and mentally.
  • The transition to the English word in the mid-17th century captures the essence of emotional turmoil or internal conflict.

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.