Dictionary

1anguish

noun an·guish \ˈaŋ-gwish\

: extreme suffering, grief, or pain

Full Definition of ANGUISH

:  extreme pain, distress, or anxiety
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of ANGUISH

Middle English angwisshe, from Anglo-French anguisse, angoisse, from Latin angustiae, plural, straits, distress, from angustus narrow; akin to Old English enge narrow — more at anger
First Known Use: 13th century

Synonym Discussion of ANGUISH

sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, regret mean distress of mind. sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse <a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death>. grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause <the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents>. anguish suggests torturing grief or dread <the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child>. woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery <cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city>. regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse <nagging regret for missed opportunities>.

Rhymes with ANGUISH

2anguish

verb

Definition of ANGUISH

intransitive verb
:  to suffer anguish
transitive verb
:  to cause to suffer anguish

First Known Use of ANGUISH

14th century
ANGUISH Defined for Kids

anguish

noun an·guish \ˈaŋ-gwish\

Definition of ANGUISH for Kids

:  great physical or emotional pain

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: anguishedPrevious Word in the Dictionary: AnguisAll Words Near: anguish
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears