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Definition of throes

throes

/θroʊz/
throes
Plural:throes
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throes Lexical Profile

throes Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Intense or violent pains and struggles, especially those accompanying birth, death, or a major transition (usually used in the phrase 'in the throes of').

Example

"The small nation was in the throes of a profound economic transformation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for throes
Antonyms
View all antonyms for throes

Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently confused with the homophone 'throws' (the verb or plural noun relating to propelling an object). In modern usage, 'throes' occurs almost exclusively in the plural, especially within the idiomatic phrase 'in the throes of'.

• Rhymes for throes

• Nearby Words

throaty
throb
throbbing
throes
throne
throng
throttle

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'throwe', meaning a pang or spasm of pain, probably deriving from Old English 'thrawu' (affliction, calamity, or pang).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Throes. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/throes
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