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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
Outside Online, 28 May 2025
Michaela calmly explains that Jocelyn got botched plastic surgery that’s kept her in private agony for the last decade.
—Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Anunoby dribbled down the court for an open dunk as Tatum laid on the floor on the other end in agony, shaking his head and grabbing his right ankle.
—Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
The 26-year-old stayed down, writhing and slamming his fists on the dirt in agony as his teammates worriedly watched team trainers check his leg.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 13 May 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Agony.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agony. Accessed 8 Jun. 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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