The English language is filled with words that express different emotions and states of mind. One such word is agonize. This word is commonly used to describe intense feelings of worry, distress, or struggle when making a decision or facing a difficult situation.
But what exactly does agonize mean? How can it be used in sentences? This topic explores the definition, synonyms, examples, and common uses of the word agonize to help you understand it better.
Definition of Agonize
The word agonize is a verb that means to experience extreme mental or emotional distress over something. It can also mean to struggle or suffer physically, but it is most commonly used to describe emotional suffering.
Simple Definition
To agonize means to suffer deeply, worry excessively, or struggle with a difficult decision.
Example:
- “She spent hours agonizing over which college to choose.”
Extended Definition
- To feel great anxiety, worry, or distress about something.
- To struggle or suffer mentally or physically in an attempt to resolve a problem.
Example:
- “He agonized over telling the truth or keeping the secret.”
Etymology: Where Does the Word Agonize Come From?
The word agonize comes from the Greek word “agon,” which means contest or struggle. In ancient Greece, “agon” referred to athletic competitions, but over time, the meaning evolved to include emotional and physical struggles.
Today, “agonize” is used mainly to describe mental distress, indecision, or suffering over a difficult choice.
Common Uses of Agonize
The word agonize can be used in different situations, from personal dilemmas to professional challenges. Here are some of the most common ways people use the word.
1. Agonize Over Decisions
One of the most frequent ways people use “agonize” is when they are struggling to make an important decision.
Examples:
- “She agonized over whether to quit her job or stay.”
- “He agonized over what to write in his resignation letter.”
2. Agonize Over Mistakes
People often agonize over past mistakes or regrets, replaying situations in their minds and feeling deep remorse.
Examples:
- “He agonized over the argument he had with his best friend.”
- “She kept agonizing over whether she made the right choice last year.”
3. Agonize in Physical Pain
Although less common, “agonize” can also be used to describe physical pain or suffering.
Examples:
- “The patient was agonizing in pain after the accident.”
- “He agonized for hours before the paramedics arrived.”
4. Agonize Over Relationships
Many people agonize over relationships, whether it’s about love, friendship, or family issues.
Examples:
- “She agonized over whether to break up with her boyfriend.”
- “He spent days agonizing over how to apologize to his wife.”
How to Use Agonize in a Sentence
Understanding a word is easier when you see it in context. Here are several ways you can use agonize naturally in sentences:
- “She spent the whole night agonizing over her final exam results.”
- “He agonized for weeks before accepting the job offer.”
- “I hate agonizing over what to wear to important events.”
- “They agonized over whether to move to another city for better opportunities.”
- “She agonized for months about whether she should start her own business.”
Synonyms for Agonize
If you want to use a different word with a similar meaning, here are some common synonyms for agonize:
- Worry – To feel uneasy or anxious.
- Struggle – To experience difficulty in making a decision or solving a problem.
- Suffer – To endure pain or distress.
- Fret – To feel anxious or concerned about something.
- Dwell on – To keep thinking about something distressing.
Example Sentences Using Synonyms:
- “She worried about her final grades for days.”
- “He struggled with the choice between two job offers.”
- “She suffered emotionally after losing her best friend.”
- “He fretted over his upcoming performance review.”
- “She dwelt on her mistakes from the past year.”
Antonyms for Agonize
If you want to express the opposite of agonize, you can use these words:
- Relax – To remain calm and free from stress.
- Decide easily – To make a choice without difficulty.
- Be at peace – To feel calm and content.
- Ignore – To not worry about something.
Example Sentences Using Antonyms:
- “Instead of agonizing, she decided to relax and trust her instincts.”
- “He made the decision quickly without agonizing over it.”
- “She learned to let go of her worries and be at peace with her choices.”
Differences Between Agonize and Worry
Although agonize and worry are similar, they are not exactly the same. Here’s a simple comparison:
| Word | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Agonize | To suffer intensely over a difficult decision or situation. | More dramatic, suggests deep struggle. |
| Worry | To feel concerned or anxious about something. | Common in daily conversation. |
Example:
- “She agonized over breaking up with her boyfriend.” (Severe emotional distress)
- “She worried about breaking up with her boyfriend.” (Less intense concern)
Why Use the Word Agonize?
Using agonize can help express deep emotional or mental distress. It is useful when describing:
- Serious decision-making
- Emotional suffering
- Struggles in relationships
- Mental battles over mistakes or regrets
The word agonize describes deep emotional distress, struggle, or suffering over a difficult situation. It is commonly used when talking about tough decisions, regrets, or emotional pain.
By understanding how to use agonize correctly, you can express emotions more accurately in both speech and writing. Whether you’re describing worry, pain, or emotional turmoil, agonize is a powerful word that adds depth and intensity to your language.