Definition

Adjective: 1. Manifesting or expressing intense mental or physical pain or suffering: The word describes something (a sound, expression, or action) that clearly shows extreme anguish, torment, or agony.

Usage

The adjective "agonized" is used to describe a manner, sound, or appearance that is filled with or conveys agony. It is typically placed before a noun (e.g., an agonized cry) or used after a linking verb like "was" or "sounded" (e.g., His face was agonized).

Examples

• Before a noun:
  • She let out an agonized scream when she heard the news.
  • He made an agonized decision to leave the company.
  • The letter was full of agonized pleas for help.
• After a linking verb:
  • His voice sounded agonized over the phone.
  • Her expression was agonized as she watched the accident.

Advanced Usage

• "agonized over": This is a common verbal phrase where "agonized" functions as the past tense of the verb "agonize." It means to spend a long time worrying or thinking deeply and anxiously about a decision or problem.
  • She agonized over every word in the email before sending it.
  • The committee agonized over the final selection for hours.

Variants and Related Words

• Agonize (verb): To suffer extreme physical or mental pain; to worry intensely.
  • He would agonize about his future.
• Agonizing (adjective): Causing great physical or mental pain.
  • The wait for the test results was agonizing.
• Agony (noun): Extreme physical or mental suffering.
  • The injured soldier was in agony.

Synonyms

• Tormented
• Anguished
• Tortured
• Wracked with pain

Antonyms

• Peaceful
• Content
• Untroubled
• Joyful

Adjective

1. expressing pain or agony
   • agonized screams