agonizing
UK: ˈæɡənaɪzɪŋ | US: ˈæɡənaɪzɪŋ
adj. causing great physical or mental pain; extremely distressing
v. (present participle of agonize) to suffer intense pain or struggle mentally
The root agon- derives from Greek agōn (contest, struggle), originally tied to athletic or dramatic competitions. Over time, it broadened to denote intense suffering. The suffix -ize (verb-forming) and -ing (participle) transform the noun into an adjective describing prolonged anguish. The word’s evolution mirrors the shift from external competition (agōn) to internalized torment (agonizing).
The agonizing wait for the test results left her exhausted.
He made an agonizing decision to leave his hometown.
The injury caused agonizing pain for weeks.
Her agonizing over the mistake kept her awake at night.
The film portrayed the agonizing effects of war on civilians.