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agonía

ah-go-NEE-ah/aɣoˈni.a/

“agonía” means “agony” in Spanish (extreme physical or mental suffering).

agony, death throes

Also: anguish, struggle
NounfB1
Spain
A small figure sitting alone on a dark blue bench, holding their head in their hands with a slumped posture.

📝 In Action

El herido estuvo en agonía durante varias horas antes de que llegara el médico.

B1

The injured man was in agony for several hours before the doctor arrived.

La agonía de esperar los resultados del examen me quita el sueño.

B2

The anguish of waiting for the exam results keeps me awake at night.

Fue una agonía ver cómo el equipo perdía el partido en el último minuto.

C1

It was agonizing to watch the team lose the game in the final minute.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • en agonía – in agony / dying
  • larga agonía – long struggle / slow death
  • gritar de agonía – to scream in agony

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar en las últimas – To be at death's door or about to break down.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "agonía" in Spanish:

agony→death throes→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: agonía

Question 1 of 3

Which of these situations best fits the word 'agonía' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
agonizar(to be in the throes of death) — Verb
agónico(agonizing / dying) — Adjective
agonizante(dying / terminal) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
alegríadíatía
📚 Etymology▼

From Ancient Greek 'agōnia', which meant a 'struggle' or a 'contest' in the athletic sense. It eventually evolved to mean the struggle for life.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: agonyFrench: agonieItalian: agonia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'agonía' the same as 'dolor'?

Not exactly. 'Dolor' is just pain. 'Agonía' is much more intense and often refers to a long struggle or the process of dying.

Can I use 'agonía' for a broken heart?

Yes, in poetry or dramatic writing, it's perfect for expressing intense emotional heartbreak.

Does it ever mean 'annoyance'?

In some countries like Spain, 'ser un agonía' can mean someone who is restless or obsessively anxious, which is slightly annoying to others.