Search Dictionary
Definition of anguish

anguish

/ˈæŋ.ɡwɪʃ/
an · guish
Adverb:anguishedly
•
Plural:anguishes
•
Adjective:anguished
•
Past Simple:anguished
•
Past Participle:anguished
•
Present Participle:anguishing
JUMP TO:

anguish Lexical Profile

anguish Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Severe mental or physical pain, distress, or suffering.

Example

"The parents experienced unbearable anguish while waiting for news of their missing child."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for anguish
Antonyms
View all antonyms for anguish

• verb

1

To suffer or cause someone to suffer intense mental or physical pain or distress.

Example

"She anguished over the difficult ethical decision for weeks before submitting her resignation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for anguish
Antonyms
View all antonyms for anguish

• Rhymes for anguish

• Nearby Words

angst
angsty
anguid
anguish
anguished
angular
angularity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English from Old French angoisse, which derives from Latin angustia meaning 'tightness, narrowness, or distress,' from angustus ('narrow'). It shares its ultimate Indo-European root (*angh-, 'tight or painfully constricted') with 'anger,' 'angina,' and 'anxiety.'

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Anguish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/anguish
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.