agony

noun

Etymology: 14th century, via Old French and Latin from Ancient Greek ἀγωνία (agōnía, “emulation, competition, struggle”), from ἀγών (agṓn, “contest”). Specifically of the struggle that precedes death (mortal agony) from the 1540s. By surface analysis, agon + -y. The sense of "extreme pain" from c. 1600.

1. Extreme pain or anguish.

   “When the weight fell on her foot, she cried out in agony.”

2. The sufferings of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane (often capitalized).

   “And being in an agonie, he prayed more earneſtly,[…].”

3. Violent contest or striving.

   “The world is convulsed by the agonies of great nations.”

4. Paroxysm of joy; keen emotion.

   “With cries and agonies of wild delight.”

5. The last struggle of life; death struggle.