Agonizing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something causing great physical or emotional pain, often with a sense of prolonged suffering.

• The wait for the test results was agonizing
• She felt an agonizing pain in her chest

General term for something causing physical or emotional pain, less intense than 'excruciating' or 'agonizing'.

• She found the breakup painful
• It was a painful injury that took weeks to heal

Best for extremely intense pain or discomfort, usually in a physical sense.

• He experienced excruciating back pain
• The headache was excruciating and lasted for hours

Describes something extremely painful and distressing, often implying a prolonged or intense experience. Can have a negative connotation.

• The torturous route through the mountains tested their endurance
• His recovery from surgery was a torturous process

Refers to something very distressing or traumatic, often emotionally difficult.

• The survivors shared harrowing stories of the disaster
• It was a harrowing experience watching the accident unfold

Used to describe something extremely painful or causing great physical or mental suffering.

• The wait for the test results was agonizing
• The athlete's injury was agonizing, and he couldn't continue the game

Describes a situation or event that causes anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

• Watching the news about the disaster was distressing
• It was distressing to see so many people affected by the hurricane

Used to describe something that causes extreme emotional suffering or sadness, often related to loss or disappointment.

• The movie's ending was heartbreaking
• The story of the abandoned puppy was truly heartbreaking

Refers to something that causes physical pain or discomfort, but can also describe emotional pain to a lesser degree than 'agonizing' or 'heartbreaking'.

• The cut on his hand was painful
• It was painful to hear about her tragic past

Used for experiences that cause severe emotional or psychological shock and distress, often associated with lasting impact.

• The car accident was a traumatic event for the survivors
• His childhood was marked by traumatic experiences