an ‧ guish /ˈæŋɡwɪʃ/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable] written
[ Date: 1100-1200 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: angoisse , from Latin angustiae 'extreme upset' , from angustus 'narrow' ]
mental or physical suffering caused by extreme pain or worry:
the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her
—anguished adjective :
an anguished cry for help
• • •
THESAURUS
■ the feeling of being worried
▪ worry the feeling of not being happy or relaxed and thinking a lot about a problem or something that is wrong:
She was sick with worry over her daughter.
|
the look of worry on his face
▪ anxiety the feeling of being worried because you think that something bad has happened or will happen, and you feel that you have no control over the situation:
The thought of having to give a speech filled me with anxiety.
|
The increase in heating costs is causing a lot of anxiety among elderly people.
▪ concern a worried feeling – use this especially when many people are worried about a problem that affects everyone:
The shortage of water is beginning to cause widespread concern.
▪ stress the feeling of being worried all the time, for example about work or personal problems, which can make you ill or very tired:
Her financial problems were causing her a lot of stress.
▪ anguish a feeling of extreme mental suffering caused by worry:
How could her parents survive the anguish of not knowing what had happened to her?
|
When she spoke, her voice was full of anguish.
▪ angst a strong feeling of worry and anxiety because you are worried about your life, your future, or what you should do in a particular situation:
The letter was full of teenage angst - would she ever be able to find another boyfriend?
|
There was much angst about the decision.