angst -
A feeling of deep anxiety or dread, typically an unfocused one about the human condition or the state of the world in general
Edvard Munch's famous painting, "The Scream," is often viewed as an expression of angst in an uncertain world.
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Pain
noun
ordeal -
A painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one
Knowing it was a fight to the death, the gladiator realized that this was an ordeal he would have to overcome if he wanted to survive.
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Pain
nounverb verb
torment -
Cause to experience severe mental or physical suffering
William enjoyed tormenting his younger sister until she would run away and complain to their mother.
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Pain
verb
flinch -
Make a quick, nervous movement of the face or body as an instinctive reaction to surprise, fear or pain
Debbie was very brave and didn’t flinch when the nurse put the needle in her arm to give her the flu shot.
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Pain
adjective
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Afflicted -
Suffering from a serious problem, illness, or pain, be it mental or physical.
Many people are afflicted with anxiety in high-pressure situations.
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Pain
adjective
grueling -
Extremely tiring and demanding
Troops go through grueling training before they can finally serve their country.
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Pain
adjective
excruciating -
Intensely painful
Becky had to see the dentist because her toothache was causing her excruciating pain.
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Pain
noun
pang -
A sudden sharp pain or painful emotion
The year was 1900, and Dmitri felt a pang of nostalgia and regret as he boarded the boat for America, knowing that he would probably never see his 'old world' again.
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Pain
nounverb noun
torment -
Severe physical or mental suffering
Sufferers of depression must deal with the torment of their own thoughts on a regular basis.
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Pain
noun
throes -
Intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change
Samantha experienced agonizing pain during the throes of childbirth.
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Pain
noun
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agony -
Extreme physical or mental suffering
Max was in physical agony as he rode his bicycle up the long mountain trail, but spiritually and emotionally he was in heaven.
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Pain
adjective
tragic -
Something very sad often involving suffering.
The story of how Oedipus mistakenly killed his father and married his mother is a tragic story.
