ˈagənē, ˈaig-, -ni noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English agonie, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French agonie, from Late Latin agonia, from Greek agōnia contest, struggle, anguish, from agōn gathering, assembly at games, contest for a prize, from agein to lead, celebrate — more at agent
1.
a. : intense pain of mind or spirit : extreme distress : anguish
the agony of being found wanting and exposed to the disapproval of others — Margaret Mead
b. often capitalized : the sufferings of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane
and being in an agony he prayed more earnestly — Lk 22:44 (Authorized Version)
2.
a. : intense pain of body : extreme torment : torture
left arm twisted upward behind him … in slow, deliberate agony — Kay Boyle
b. : the throes of death : death struggle
his final agony
3. : a violent struggle, conflict, or contest
the world is convulsed by the agonies of great nations — T.B.Macaulay
4. : a strong sudden and often uncontrollable display (as of joy or delight) : outburst
my cousin … in an agony of mirth — Edith Wharton
Synonyms: see distress