agonize

UK: ˈæɡənaɪz | US: ˈæɡənaɪz

Definition

  1. vi. to suffer extreme physical or mental pain

  2. vt. to cause someone to suffer intense pain or distress

Structure
agon <contest, struggle>ize <verb suffix>agon <contest, struggle>ize <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word agonize originates from the Greek agōn, referring to a competitive struggle, often in sports or theater. Over time, it evolved to emphasize the mental or physical anguish associated with intense effort or suffering. The suffix -ize transforms the noun into a verb, capturing the act of enduring or inflicting such pain.

Examples

  1. She would agonize for hours over every decision.

  2. The patient continued to agonize despite the medication.

  3. Don’t agonize over small mistakes—learn from them.

  4. The team agonized through the final minutes of the game.

  5. His criticism made her agonize about her performance.