Throe: meaning, definitions and examples

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throe

 

[ θroʊ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

pain, struggle

A throe is a severe pang or spasm of pain or struggle, often associated with intense emotion or turmoil. It is typically used to describe a moment of extreme distress or agony, particularly in a metaphorical sense, such as giving birth or undergoing significant change.

Synonyms

anguish, pain, pang, spasm, struggle

Examples of usage

  • She felt a throe of grief when she heard the news.
  • He was in the throes of addiction, struggling to break free.
  • The country was in the throes of revolution.
  • In the throes of labor, she knew she had to stay strong.

Translations

Translations of the word "throe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agonia

🇮🇳 कष्ट

🇩🇪 Qual

🇮🇩 siksaan

🇺🇦 страждання

🇵🇱 męka

🇯🇵 苦痛

🇫🇷 angoisse

🇪🇸 agonia

🇹🇷 acı

🇰🇷 고통

🇸🇦 عذاب

🇨🇿 utrpení

🇸🇰 utrpenie

🇨🇳 痛苦

🇸🇮 trpljenje

🇮🇸 þjáning

🇰🇿 азап

🇬🇪 ტანჯვა

🇦🇿 əziyyət

🇲🇽 agonia

Word origin

The word 'throe' originates from the Old English term 'thrawan', which means to twist or to cause pain. This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic *thrawanan, implying a notion of contortion or suffering. Over time, 'throe' evolved to signify not just physical pain, but also emotional or psychological distress. It has been historically associated with intense periods of struggle, often linked with moments of transformation or significant life events. The term is notably used in literature to convey deep emotional states, making it a compelling choice for writers and poets alike. Through its usage, 'throe' embodies the struggles inherent in the human experience, capturing the essence of pain and transformation.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,526 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.