Agonize: meaning, definitions and examples

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agonize

[ˈaɡəˌnaɪz ]

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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

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

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.

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35549 surefire
35550 illegitimately
35551 defaming
35552 agonize
35553 quadriplegic
35554 ragtag
35555 minuter
...