noun

anguish

/ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/ · say it: ANG·gwish

severe mental or physical pain

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (noun) severe physical or mental pain and suffering

2. (verb) to suffer severe pain or distress

Examples

1. The family felt deep anguish when they heard the tragic news.
2. She anguished over the difficult decision for weeks.

How to use anguish

Anguish refers to intense, often prolonged suffering—whether physical or psychological—and carries a stronger, more dramatic tone than the milder 'pain' or 'distress'. It is commonly used in literature and formal contexts to describe acute emotional turmoil, existential crisis, or severe bodily pain, and typically implies a sense of helplessness or despair accompanying the suffering.

Common phrases

in anguish
cry out in anguish
anguish and despair
emotional anguish
visible anguish

Synonyms

agony · torment · suffering · distress · pain

Opposites

comfort · relief · peace

Word family

anguished (adjective) · anguishing (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'anguish' for mild discomfort or worry, forgetting that it denotes severe, acute suffering rather than everyday pain or concern.

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