Anguish: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to severe mental or emotional suffering, often resulting from a significant loss or trauma.

• She felt deep anguish after the death of her beloved pet

Relates to a physical sensation of discomfort or suffering, but can also refer to emotional hurt.

• She felt a sharp pain in her back after lifting the heavy box

Describes intense suffering, often involving prolonged mental or physical pain, and can imply a feeling of being tortured.

• The constant noise was a source of torment for him, making it impossible to concentrate

Describes extreme physical or mental suffering, typically resulting from intense pain, illness, or a traumatic event.

• He was in agony after breaking his leg in the accident

Refers to a state of anxiety, sorrow, or pain caused by a challenging situation, often used to describe more general emotional suffering.

• The news of the natural disaster caused widespread distress among the community

Experiencing extreme pain or distress, typically emotional or mental, often due to a significant loss or trauma.

• She felt deep anguish after the death of her beloved pet

Feeling uneasy or anxious about actual or potential problems, typically less intense than other terms, often related to everyday concerns.

• She began to worry when her son had not returned home by midnight

Dwelling on something in a way that causes severe worry or mental torture, often when trying to make a tough decision.

• He agonized for days over whether to accept the job offer in a different city

Experiencing pain, hardship, or distress, generally in any situation where someone is undergoing an unpleasant experience.

• Many people suffer from chronic illnesses that impact their daily lives

Causing or experiencing severe physical or mental suffering, often intentionally or with a sense of prolonged torture. This has a more negative and intense connotation.

• The memories of his past mistakes continued to torment him every night