agonize etymology

Etymology and Meaning:

• agonize (verb)
  • Origin: From Late Latin agonizāre, from Greek agōnía ("contest, struggle"), from agōn ("contest, assembly, struggle")
  • Meaning: "to suffer intense mental or physical pain; to be in great agony"

Origin and History:

The word "agonize" traces its roots back to the Greek word "agōn," which signified a "contest" or "assembly." This concept extended to the struggles and trials faced by individuals, both physically and mentally. The Greek term agōnía emerged as a derivative, referring specifically to the intense pain and anguish experienced during such struggles.

In Late Latin, the word agonizāre was coined, meaning "to contend or struggle" and later "to suffer intense pain." It was from agonizāre that the Middle English "agonia" and the modern English "agonize" originated.

Usage and Meaning Today:

Today, "agonize" remains a widely used word in both formal and informal contexts. It continues to convey the sense of severe pain and distress, often accompanied by intense mental or emotional turmoil.

The word can be employed to describe:

• Physical pain: "He agonized over the broken limb."
• Mental anguish: "She agonized over the difficult decision."
• Moral torment: "The politician agonized over the ethical implications of his actions."
• Prolonged suffering: "The patient agonized for hours before succumbing to their illness."

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