agonize

Definitions

From Greek agōnia (the strain and writhing of struggle, from agōn 'contest') + -ize. It pictures an athlete pushed to the limit, twisting in effort. From that came two senses: to suffer extreme pain, and — most common today — to wrestle painfully with a hard choice.

Why It Means This

The leap from 'contest' to 'agony' happens through agōnia: the violent exertion of fighting became a word for suffering itself. Modern agonize keeps the writhing image but moves it inside the head — to agonize over a decision is to be mentally torn, replaying the choice the way a fighter strains in the ring.

Common Collocations

• 1.agonize over为……苦苦思索
• 2.agonize about为……烦恼
• 3.agonize for hours苦恼好几个小时
• 4.agonize over a decision为一个决定煎熬

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She agonized for weeks over whether to accept the job abroad.

• 2.

  Don't agonize over every small mistake you make.

• 3.

  He lay there agonizing in pain until help arrived.