Main Entry: ag·o·ny

Pronunciation: \ˈa-gə-nē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural ag·o·nies

Etymology: Middle English agonie, from Late Latin agonia, from Greek agōnia struggle, anguish, from agōn gathering, contest for a prize, from agein to lead, celebrate — more at agent

Date: 14th century

1 a : intense pain of mind or body : anguish, torture b : the struggle that precedes death
2 : a violent struggle or contest
3 : a strong sudden display (as of joy or delight) : outburst

synonyms see distress