AGONISING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does agonising mean? 

• AGONISING (adjective)
  The adjective AGONISING has 1 sense:

1. extremely painful

  Familiarity information: AGONISING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AGONISING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Extremely painful

Synonyms:

agonising; agonizing; excruciating; harrowing; torturesome; torturing; torturous

Similar:

painful (causing physical or psychological pain)

 Context examples 

Nothing indeed could be more unfortunate and agonising than the strange chances that have lately occurred.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

We have had such an adventure, such an agonising experience.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Unjust!—unjust! said my reason, forced by the agonising stimulus into precocious though transitory power: and Resolve, equally wrought up, instigated some strange expedient to achieve escape from insupportable oppression—as running away, or, if that could not be effected, never eating or drinking more, and letting myself die.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

What agonising fondness did I feel for them!

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

The silence finally became agonising.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

He felt her heart, and after a few moments of agonising suspense said:—"It is not too late. It beats, though but feebly. All our work is undone; we must begin again. There is no young Arthur here now; I have to call on you yourself this time, friend John."

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

I seem to remember that once the West Lighthouse was right under me, and then there was a sort of agonising feeling, as if I were in an earthquake, and I came back and found you shaking my body.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)