Agonies

Agony \Ag"o*ny\, n.; pl. {Agonies}. [L. agonia, Gr. ?, orig. a
   contest, fr. ?: cf. F. agonie. See {Agon}.]
   1. Violent contest or striving.
      [1913 Webster]

            The world is convulsed by the agonies of great
            nations.                              --Macaulay.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Pain so extreme as to cause writhing or contortions of the
      body, similar to those made in the athletic contests in
      Greece; and hence, extreme pain of mind or body; anguish;
      paroxysm of grief; specifically, the sufferings of Christ
      in the garden of Gethsemane.
      [1913 Webster]

            Being in an agony he prayed more earnestly. --Luke
                                                  xxii. 44.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Paroxysm of joy; keen emotion.
      [1913 Webster]

            With cries and agonies of wild delight. --Pope.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. The last struggle of life; death struggle.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Anguish; torment; throe; distress; pangs; suffering.

   Usage: {Agony}, {Anguish}, {Pang}. These words agree in
          expressing extreme pain of body or mind. Agony denotes
          acute and permanent pain, usually of the whole
          system., and often producing contortions. Anguish
          denotes severe pressure, and, considered as bodily
          suffering, is more commonly local (as anguish of a
          wound), thus differing from agony. A pang is a
          paroxysm of excruciating pain. It is severe and
          transient. The agonies or pangs of remorse; the
          anguish of a wounded conscience. "Oh, sharp convulsive
          pangs of agonizing pride!" --Dryden.
          [1913 Webster]