/ag"euh nee/ , n. , pl. agonies .
1. extreme and generally prolonged pain; intense physical or mental suffering.
2. a display or outburst of intense mental or emotional excitement: an agony of joy.
3. the struggle preceding natural death: mortal agony.
4. a violent struggle.
5. ( often cap. ) Theol. the sufferings of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane.
[ 1350-1400; ME agonye ( agonia agón AGON + -ia -Y 3 ]
Syn. 1. anguish, torment, torture. See pain. 2. paroxysm.
Ant. 1. comfort, ease, pleasure.