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DictionaryanguishSevere suffering
noun / verb

anguish

ANG-gwish/ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/

Severe mental or physical suffering.

The man sits in anguish, clutching his head with both hands.

An older man sits hunched forward on a plain chair, clutching his head with both hands, his tightly shut eyes and strained expression conveying severe mental suffering.
Etymology
anguishLatinnarrowness, tightness; distress

Latin angustia described tightness or narrowness and, figuratively, distress. Anguish carries that image of painful constriction into severe bodily or mental suffering.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain313:04
she lost all desire for food and refused like others who were suffering great mental anguish
Alexander the Great Biography (Audiobook)

More examples

  • The news anguished her.
  • They endured months of anguish.
  • He was anguishing over the decision.

Forms

anguish · anguishes · anguished · anguishing

Similar words

agony
Often emphasizes extreme physical pain.
distress
A broader, usually less intense form of suffering.