anguish
9 synonyms and 3 antonyms for anguish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Severe mental or physical suffering, often caused by grief, loss, or distress.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Severe mental or physical suffering, often caused by grief, loss, or distress.
“The family was in anguish after hearing the news.”
Opposites
How to use anguish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cry out in anguish
anguish over a decision
Etymology
From Old French angoisse, from Latin angustia ("narrowness, distress"), from angere ("to strangle, cause pain").
Full origin of anguish →Frequently asked questions
What does “anguish” mean?
The word “anguish” means severe mental or physical suffering, often caused by grief, loss, or distress. In plain terms, intense emotional or physical pain, usually from grief or a hard situation.
How do you pronounce “anguish”?
“Anguish” is pronounced ANG-gwihsh (/ˈæŋ.ɡwɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “anguish” in a sentence?
Here is “anguish” used in a sentence: “The family was in anguish after hearing the news.”
What part of speech is “anguish”?
Depending on how it is used, “anguish” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “anguish” come from?
The word “anguish” comes from Latin. From Old French angoisse, from Latin angustia ("narrowness, distress"), from angere ("to strangle, cause pain").
Is “anguish” a common word?
“Anguish” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “anguish” have?
“Anguish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: severe mental or physical suffering, often caused by grief, loss, or distress.
