Causing extreme pain, suffering, or emotional distress; extremely difficult or troubling.
From Greek 'agōnia' (struggle or contest), related to 'agōn' (struggle). The word evolved to mean intense physical or mental suffering, with the '-izing' suffix showing the action of causing such suffering.
In ancient Greece, 'agonia' referred to athletic contests and dramatic competitions—the word moved from competitive struggle to inner suffering! This reveals how pain and contest were once seen as similar intense experiences requiring struggle.
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