Pronunciation: [ˈaɡənˌa͡ɪzd] (IPA) 
The word "agonised" is spelled with a "z" in British English and with an "s" in American English. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈæɡənaɪzd/ in British English and /ˈæɡənaɪzd/ in American English. The stress falls on the second syllable, and the sound "aɪ" is pronounced as in the word "eye". The word is commonly used to describe someone who is experiencing great physical or emotional pain or suffering.
Agonised is an adjective that describes a state of extreme mental or physical anguish, distress, or pain. The word is derived from the verb "agonize," which means to experience intense suffering or struggle.
In terms of mental distress, agonised refers to being tormented by anxiety, grief, or emotional turmoil. It portrays a sense of deep mental anguish, often accompanied by restlessness, desperation, or even a feeling of being trapped in one's own thoughts. An agonised individual may exhibit visible signs of distress, such as expressions of pain, wringing of hands, or distressful actions like pacing or trembling.
When used in relation to physical suffering, agonised indicates severe or excruciating pain that is typically the result of an injury, illness, or a momentary intense agony. This physical anguish may cause grimacing, clenching of muscles, or audible sounds like moaning or groaning.
Furthermore, agonised can also portray a sense of fervent struggle or effort. It suggests a person's committed and determined endeavors, often in the face of great difficulty, towards achieving a particular goal. This definition relates to a figurative context in which the individual is relentlessly striving to overcome obstacles, face challenges, or succeed despite adverse circumstances.
Overall, agonised encompasses both the mental and physical dimensions of intense suffering, signifying distress, pain, and the exhaustive struggle often accompanying such a state.
The word "agonised" is derived from the verb "agonize", which ultimately traces back to the Greek word "agōnízomai". In Greek, "agōnízomai" meant "to struggle", "to wrestle", or "to contend", especially in the context of physical or mental exertion. This Greek root was later borrowed into Latin as "agōnizāre", which retained the similar meaning of enduring great strain or anguish. Eventually, "agonize" entered the English language in the late 16th century, and over time the adjective form "agonised" emerged to describe the state or condition of being in agony or in great distress.
