travail
UK: ˈtræveɪl | US: trəˈveɪl
n. painful or laborious effort
n. (archaic) labor, especially childbirth
vi. to toil or struggle
The word travail originates from the Latin tripalium, a torture device made of three stakes. This grim tool gave rise to the Old French travailler, meaning "to torment" or "to labor," reflecting the intense effort associated with suffering. Over time, the meaning softened to denote strenuous work or struggle, particularly in childbirth (archaic usage). The morpheme tra- (from trans) suggests movement or crossing, while -vail retains its connection to exertion.
The explorers endured years of travail to reach the remote valley.
In medieval times, women often faced travail without medical assistance.
He travailéd tirelessly to complete his masterpiece.
The project was a travail of patience and precision.
Her artistic travail finally culminated in a groundbreaking exhibition.