anguish

Very strong sadness or worry that causes deep emotional pain.

• His face showed his anguish.
• She cried out in anguish after hearing the news.
• Years later, he still felt anguish over the separation.

How to use it: anguish over something (She felt anguish over the loss of her friend.)

Similar words: distress, torment, agony

Common phrases: in anguish, mental anguish, anguish over something

Extreme suffering in the body or mind.

• The injured man screamed in anguish.
• Medicine eased the anguish of her burns.
• Their rescue ended hours of physical and mental anguish.

How to use it: anguish of something (He could hardly bear the anguish of his injury.)

Similar words: agony, torment, suffering

Common phrases: physical anguish, in anguish, anguish of something

To suffer great physical or emotional pain.

• She anguished alone in her room.
• He anguished over his missing son.
• For months, they anguished over the terrible loss.

How to use it: anguish over something (He anguished over the choices he had made.)

Similar words: suffer, agonize

Common phrases: anguish over something, anguish in silence