agonize

[ ag-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, ag·o·nized, ag·o·niz·ing.

1. to suffer extreme pain or anguish; be in agony.
2. to put forth great effort of any kind.

verb (used with object)

, ag·o·nized, ag·o·niz·ing.

1. to distress with extreme pain; torture.

agonize

/ ˈæɡəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to suffer or cause to suffer agony
2. intr to make a desperate effort; struggle; strive

Derived Forms

• ˈagoˌnizingly, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of agonize¹

1575–85; < Medieval Latin agōnizāre < Greek agōnízesthai to struggle (for a prize), equivalent to agōn- agon + -izesthai -ize

Word History and Origins

Origin of agonize¹

C16: via Medieval Latin from Greek agōnizesthai to contend for a prize, from agōn agon

Example Sentences

It’s been nearly a week since election day, and California is still counting ballots, imposing an agonizing wait on a nation wondering who will lead the next U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

‘It is truly agonizing to watch the world turn against my son so quickly,’ she says.

From Los Angeles Times

She also developed an agonizing sensitivity to light.

From Los Angeles Times

“The next person in Anna’s situation will face an agonizing choice of risking a multi-hour drive to another hospital or waiting until they are close enough to death for Providence to intervene,” Bonta said.

From Los Angeles Times

Harbaugh has emphasized hard work and details while trying to change the narrative of a franchise that has spent years seemingly inventing creative, yet agonizing ways to lose.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disturb
• excruciate
• harrow
• lament