anguish
/ˈæŋ.ɡwɪʃ/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Great mental or physical pain. It is stronger than simple sadness or worry, and it often suggests deep suffering.
- She cried in anguish after the bad news.
- He felt anguish during the long wait.
- The patient's anguish was hard to watch.
verb
To suffer great pain or distress. This use is less common in modern English and sounds literary or formal.
- He anguished over the difficult choice.
- She anguished for days after the loss.
- They anguished about the future.
Adinary Nuance
Anguish is stronger than sadness, worry, or stress. It describes intense pain or distress, often after loss, fear, or emotional shock. Writers choose it when ordinary words feel too weak. It is more emotional and severe than anxiety or upset.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- đau khổ
- Spanish
- angustia
- Chinese
- 痛苦
- Japanese
- 苦悩
- Korean
- 고통
Etymology
Anguish comes from Old French anguish, based on Latin angustus, meaning 'narrow' or 'tight'. The idea is of pain that feels tight and hard to bear.
Common phrases
in anguishmental anguishanguish over somethinga cry of anguish
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is anguish stronger than sadness?
- Yes. Anguish means deep, severe pain or distress, much stronger than sadness.
- Is anguish a formal word?
- Yes. It is common in writing, news, and serious speech, not casual conversation.
- What is the difference between anguish and anxiety?
- Anxiety is worry about something that may happen. Anguish is stronger pain or suffering.
- Can I say 'anguish over'?
- Yes. It is natural to say someone anguishes over a problem or decision.