Definition

Related to severe pain, particularly the suffering experienced at the time of death.

Example

The patient experienced agonal breathing as he approached the end of his life.

Conversation

I watched a documentary about the struggles people face during terminal illness.

That sounds really heavy and agonal to watch.

It was, especially when they showed the emotional toll it takes on families.

Yeah, those moments can be really heartbreaking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Agonal is derived from the Greek word "agon" (meaning contest or struggle) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The term "agonal" refers to something related to a contest or struggle, often used in medical contexts to describe a state of struggle before death.

Memory Tip

Think of 'agon' as a struggle or contest, which helps you remember that 'agonal' relates to a state of struggle.

Visually Confused Words