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 death2: a violent struggle or contest3: a strong sudden display (as of joy or delight) : outburst

synonyms see distress