agony
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæɡ.ə.ni/US/ˈæɡ.ə.ni/
extreme physical or mental suffering; intense pain or distress
Example Sentences
He cried out in agony after twisting his ankle during the match.
She experienced agonies of guilt for days, unable to forgive herself easily.
Watching her loved one suffer caused her such deep agony that she found it difficult to sleep.
The soldier’s letters described the agony he felt on the battlefield, revealing both physical injuries and emotional torment.
When the medication wore off, the patient sank back into agony, highlighting the severity of his condition.
Her mind was in agony as she struggled to choose between her career aspirations and her family's expectations, a dilemma that weighed heavily on her conscience.
The film masterfully portrayed the agony of loss, leaving the audience in tears as they witnessed the profound impact of a tragic event on the characters' lives.
To alleviate the dog’s agony, the veterinarian administered a strong painkiller, advising the owner on how to provide the necessary care and comfort for a smooth recovery.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Overwhelming pain, whether physical or emotional, causing deep distress.Use “agony” to convey the peak of physical or emotional pain. In a medical setting, it might describe searing pain from an injury or illness. In a psychological or personal context, it can refer to acute grief, heartbreak, or despair—moments when someone feels completely overwhelmed. For example, “He was in agony after losing his best friend” highlights how severe the emotional strain is. In literature or dramatic storytelling, “agony” underscores the most intense torment a character endures, illustrating their inner turmoil or dire circumstances. Because it’s a powerful word, it should be employed thoughtfully, reserved for scenarios that genuinely warrant descriptions of extreme distress. Using “agony” effectively intensifies the emotional weight of a statement or scene, ensuring the audience understands the gravity of the suffering involved.
Alternatives
Synonyms for “agony” often revolve around severe pain or emotional torment, each with its own nuance. “Anguish” captures crushing emotional suffering, such as when someone faces deep sorrow or regret. “Torment” emphasizes ongoing or relentless pain, suggesting a prolonged battle against internal or external sources of distress. “Torture” can imply a relentless force inflicting suffering, either literally or metaphorically. “Excruciating pain” leans strongly toward physical distress, highlighting how extreme the sensation is. Meanwhile, “misery” underscores a pervasive, sometimes lingering state of unhappiness or discomfort, which can be emotional, physical, or both. Select the term that best fits the intensity and nature of the experience you wish to describe. For a quick, dramatic impression, “agony” or “torture” can punch up the emotion, whereas “anguish” or “misery” might suit a more subdued but prolonged sense of suffering. This careful word choice helps you convey the exact quality and duration of the pain, tailoring your language to the emotion or scenario at hand.
Writing
When writing about “agony,” lean on specific details that illustrate the depth of the pain—physiological reactions such as trembling, cold sweats, or uncontrollable sobbing, as well as emotional markers like hopelessness, despair, or overwhelming sorrow. In a story, show how the character’s thoughts spiral or how their outward behavior changes under immense strain, allowing readers to feel the weight of their suffering. In persuasive or analytical pieces—like articles on healthcare or social injustices—employ “agony” to spotlight the severity of problems, from chronic conditions to systemic issues, but be mindful not to overuse it. Over-repetition can dilute its impact. Instead, combine it with factual details or firsthand accounts to achieve a gripping, authentic portrayal of pain or distress. Variation in word choice—alternating with “anguish” or “misery” when suitable—helps keep your writing nuanced, driving home a sense of real, poignant suffering that resonates with the audience.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “agony” is a strong word. It can ramp up the intensity of how you describe discomfort—like, “I was in agony after the gym,” suggesting extreme post-workout pain, or “Watching that scary movie was agony because I’m terrified of jump-scares.” Friends might use it humorously—“Sitting through that three-hour lecture was pure agony,” though it’s understood the complaint is somewhat exaggerated. Be aware of your tone and context, though; if someone is in genuine distress, calling their condition “agony” acknowledges the severity. If you casually label minor inconveniences as agony, it may come across as melodramatic unless it’s clear you’re joking. Still, in day-to-day language, “agony” is a quick way to communicate the idea of unbearable suffering, emotional or physical, whether genuinely felt or playfully overstated in conversation.
Etymology
The term “agony” descends from the Greek word “agōnia,” which originally meant “a struggle” or “a contest,” particularly in athletic contexts. Over time, its meaning expanded beyond literal physical contests to encompass intense mental or emotional struggles. In early Christian texts and medieval literature, “agony” was often associated with spiritual or moral battles, signifying great anguish or suffering of the soul. As the word filtered into Latin and then Middle English, it adopted connotations of severe distress or pain, shaping the modern sense of excruciating torment—both physical and psychological. Today, “agony” retains that core idea of a fierce internal or external battle, whether it’s a heartbreak, a harrowing injury, or a profound crisis that leaves one in a state of profound, often overwhelming, suffering.
