Meaning & Definition of word "Anguish"

Anguish

/ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/

noun:

  • 1. Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.
    • Example: The anguish of losing a loved one can be overwhelming.
  • 2. A state of extreme distress or torment.
    • Example: She felt a deep anguish over the difficult decision she had to make.

verb:

  • 1. To suffer or cause to suffer severe physical or mental pain.
    • Example: He anguished over the mistakes he made in the past.
  • 2. To be very distressed or worried about something.
    • Example: She anguished for hours, hoping for news from her friend.

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin 'anguishia', from 'anguere' meaning 'to cause to choke or suffer.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

anguish of the soul:

Deep emotional suffering or torment.

anguish in silence:

Suffering quietly without expressing one's pain.

Related Words

anguished:

Experiencing severe emotional pain.

anguishing:

Causing severe distress or suffering.

Slang Meanings of anguish

Meaning: Heavy heart

Example Sentence: After the breakup, he walked around with a heavy heart.

Meaning: In a bad place

Example Sentence: After failing the exam, she felt like she was in a bad place emotionally.