Definition

Feeling or showing extreme pain or distress.

Example

She had an anguished look on her face after hearing the bad news.

Conversation

Did you hear about the anguished families after the storm?

Yeah, it's heartbreaking to see so many people suffering.

I can't imagine the pain they're going through right now.

Exactly, we should do something to help them out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anguished is formed from "anguish" (from Old French *anguiss*, meaning extreme pain or distress) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a state or condition). The word "anguished" describes a state of experiencing extreme pain or distress.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'anguish' which means extreme pain, and remember that 'anguished' describes being in that painful state.

Visually Confused Words