anguish

UK: ˈaŋɡwɪʃ | US: ˈæŋɡwɪʃ

Definition

  1. n. severe mental or physical pain or suffering

  2. vt. to cause or experience extreme distress

Structure
angu <narrow, painful>ish <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "anguish" traces back to the Latin angustia, meaning "tightness" or "distress," derived from angustus ("narrow"). Over time, the sense of physical constriction evolved metaphorically into emotional or mental suffering. The suffix "-ish" (via Old French -isse) solidified its meaning as a state of extreme distress.

Examples

  1. She cried out in anguish when she heard the tragic news.

  2. The soldier's face reflected the anguish of war.

  3. He anguished over the decision for weeks.

  4. The novel captures the anguish of lost love.

  5. Their voices were filled with anguish during the protest.