Anguish Meaning and Definition
Anguish
Pronunciation
/ˈæŋgwɪʃ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A state of intense suffering, distress, or anguish, often accompanied by emotional pain or torment.
Examples
- She felt anguish as she said goodbye to her dying mother.
- The patient’s anguish was palpable as he waited for the doctor’s diagnosis.
Synonyms
- Agony
- Misery
- Misfortune
Antonyms
- Bliss
- Euphoria
- Happiness
Etymology
The word “anguish” comes from the Old French word “angoisse”, meaning “anguish” or “torment”, which is derived from the Latin word “angustia”, meaning “narrowness” or “straitness”. The Latin word is likely related to the verb “angere”, meaning “to constrict” or “to oppress”.
Usage Notes
Use “anguish” to describe a strong feeling of suffering or distress, often accompanied by physical or emotional pain. Avoid using “anguish” to describe mild or fleeting discomfort.
Cultural References
In literature, “anguish” is often used to describe the emotional state of characters in dramatic or tragic situations. Examples include Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“In anguish” is often used to describe a state of intense emotional pain or distress.
Related Words or Phrases
Pain, Sorrow, Distress, Agony, Misery
Collocations
Anguish is often used in collocation with words such as “physical”, “emotional”, “psychological”, and “soul-crushing”.
Frequency of Use
“Anguish” is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is often used in literary and poetic contexts to describe intense emotional suffering.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspellings of “anguish” are “anger”, “angerous”, and “angush”.