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In Ancient Greece, a public gathering was called agon. Since the Greeks placed a high value on sports and athletic competition, there were almost always athletic events at gatherings on festival days. The struggle to win the prize in such contests came to be called agonia. This term came also to be used for any difficult physical struggle and then for the pain that went with it—physical or mental. Our English word agony, meaning “intense pain of mind or body,” thus comes from a word that meant a happy celebration.
Examples of agony in a Sentence
David Chiu, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
With espresso especially, the right grinder can be the difference between ecstasy, agony, and simple defeat.
—Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 1 Apr. 2025
That said, there are searing moments of pathos from Jarvis (Shōgun) as Elliott, the most gravely wounded of the troop, screaming in agony as he’s dragged across the floor to relative safety, trailing blood.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025
The singer has spent a great part of her career putting herself out there despite the agony that comes with being perceived on social media.
—Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agony
Cite this Entry
“Agony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agony. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Middle English agonie "agony," from Latin agonia (same meaning), from Greek agōnia "struggle," from agōn "gathering, contest for a prize"
Medical Definition
agony
noun
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