throe

noun

ˈthrō 

1

: pang, spasm

death throes

throes of childbirth

2

throes plural : a hard or painful struggle

… the throes of revolutionary social change …

—M. D. Geismar

Synonyms of throe

• ache
• pang
• tingle
• pain
• sting

Examples of throe in a Sentence

collapsed in the throes of agony

that third-world country is caught up in the throes of a democratic revolution

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly a century ago, with many Americans in the throes of the Great Depression, catfish cabins began popping up along creeks, rivers, and bayous across the center of the rural South, particularly in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. —Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 15 May 2026

Since 2019, the tiny Mediterranean country has been in the throes of an economic crisis that pulverized the value of its local currency and its banking system. —Malak Harb, Fortune, 15 May 2026

Luxury Living Group is in the throes of realizing residential projects for other of its brands as well, such as Bugatti Tower in Dubai, the Bentley Residences in Miami and two Trussardi Residences in Dubai. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

However, in the throes of crunch time, Wembanyama left the Earth. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 9 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thrawe, throwe, from Old English thrawu, thrēa threat, pang; akin to Old High German drawa threat

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for throe

• beau
• beaut
• beaux
• blow
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

Kids Definition

throe

noun

ˈthrō 

1

: pang

death throes

throes of childbirth

2

plural : a hard or painful struggle

a state in the throes of revolution

Medical Definition

throe

noun

ˈthrō 

: pang, spasm

—usually used in plural

death throes

throes of childbirth