Anguish is a word that is often used to describe a feeling of great mental or emotional distress. It is a complex emotion that is often associated with intense suffering, pain, and sorrow. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anguish, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
Anguish is defined as a feeling of extreme mental or emotional distress, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as pain or tightness in the chest. It is a complex emotion that can be caused by a variety of factors, including loss, trauma, and anxiety.
Origin
The word anguish comes from the Old French word anguisse, which means “distress” or “anxiety.” The word can be traced back to the Latin word angustia, which means “narrowness” or “tightness.” This reflects the physical symptoms often associated with anguish, such as a tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anguish is defined as “extreme pain, distress, or anxiety.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “severe mental or physical pain or suffering.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “extreme unhappiness caused by physical or mental suffering.”
Associations
Anguish is often associated with intense emotional pain, such as that caused by the loss of a loved one or a traumatic event. It can also be associated with physical pain, such as that caused by a serious illness or injury. Anguish is a complex emotion that can be difficult to describe, but it is often characterized by feelings of despair, hopelessness, and helplessness.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of anguish include agony, torment, suffering, misery, and distress. These words all convey a sense of intense emotional or physical pain.
Antonyms
Antonyms of anguish include happiness, joy, contentment, and peace. These words convey a sense of emotional well-being and positivity.
The same root words
The word anguish shares its root with other words such as anxiety, angina, and constrict. These words all relate to a sense of tightness or constriction, either physical or emotional.
Example Sentences
- She felt a deep sense of anguish when she learned of her mother’s death.
- The soldier’s anguish was evident in his eyes as he recounted the horrors of war.
- The pain in her chest was a constant reminder of the anguish she felt after her husband’s betrayal.
- The anguish of losing her job was compounded by the fact that she had no savings to fall back on.
- He tried to hide his anguish from his family, but they could see the pain in his eyes.