Agonize
/ˈæɡ.ə.naɪz/noun
To suffer intense physical or mental pain, or to worry over something painfully.
Did you know?Agonize comes from Greek agonizesthai, originally meaning to contend in a contest or struggle, from agon, an assembly for games or a conflict—so its emotional meaning grew out of literal combat and competition.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ag-
“to drive, lead, move”
Ancient Greek
Greek
agōn
“an assembly, contest, or struggle, especially in games or public competition”
Ancient Greek
Greek
agonizesthai
“to contend for a prize; to struggle or fight”
Late Latin
Latin
agonizare
“to struggle, contend”
Old French
Old French
agoniser
“to struggle, suffer pain; later, to be in the throes of death”
Modern English
English
agonize
“to suffer intense pain or mental torment; to worry intensely”
Explore more surprising origins