anguish
Anguish (noun) means Severe mental or physical suffering, often caused by grief, loss, or distress. Example: “The family was in anguish after hearing the news.”
How to use anguish
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIntense emotional or physical pain, usually from grief or a hard situation.
Word forms
anguished past tense, anguishes plural, anguishes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The family was in _____ after hearing the news.
Etymology
From Old French angoisse, from Latin angustia ("narrowness, distress"), from angere ("to strangle, cause pain").
Related words
Rhymes for anguish
See all rhymes for 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.
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