Anguish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😢

Add to dictionary

anguish

[ˈæŋɡwɪʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.

Synonyms

agony, distress, pain, torment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anguish	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
pain	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
torment	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
agony	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
distress	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

Examples of usage

She closed her eyes and cried out in anguish.
He writhed in anguish on the ground.
The family was in anguish waiting for news of the missing child.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To be extremely distressed about something.

Synonyms

agonize, suffer, torment, worry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anguish	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
worry	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
agonize	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
suffer	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
torment	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

Examples of usage

She anguished over the decision for days.
He anguished over the loss of his job.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Anguish can manifest not only emotionally but also physically, causing symptoms like headaches or stomach pains.
Experiencing anguish is often linked to events like loss, trauma, or intense stress, highlighting the connection between mind and body.

Literature

Many classic literary works, such as Shakespeare's tragedies, explore the theme of anguish as a core human emotion.
In modern literature, authors like Edgar Allan Poe use anguish to build tension and convey deep psychological struggles.

Art

In visual arts, anguish is depicted through dark colors and distorted figures, reflecting inner turmoil.
Famous paintings, like Edvard Munch's 'The Scream', showcase existential anguish, connecting viewers to deeper emotional experiences.

Cultural Representations

Many cultures have recognized and expressed anguish through music, often in blues or mournful melodies that resonate with deep sorrow.
Films often depict anguish through dramatic performances that highlight characters' inner conflicts, eliciting empathy from audiences.

Origin of 'anguish'

Main points about word origin

The word 'anguish' comes from the Latin word 'anguis', which means 'to choke' or 'to suffer'.
In Old French, it evolved to 'angoisse', emphasizing the feeling of tightness and discomfort.

The word 'anguish' has its origins in Old French, from the Latin word 'angustia' meaning 'tightness' or 'distress'. Over time, it evolved to signify extreme mental or physical pain and suffering. The concept of anguish has been a common theme in literature and art, depicting the depths of human suffering and emotional turmoil.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,037 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9034 instrumentation
9035 wording
9036 legislators
9037 anguish
9038 perish
9039 apical
9040 disregarded
...