The word "agony" refers to extreme physical or mental pain that one experiences. It denotes a state of suffering that can be intense and prolonged, whether it is due to illness, injury, or emotional distress. In essence, when someone is in agony, they are feeling deep and unbearable pain.
The word "agony" originates from the Middle English term "agonie," which came from the Old French "agonie" and from the Latin "agonia," meaning struggle or contest. This, in turn, is derived from the Greek word "agonia," which signifies a contest, particularly in the context of physical struggle or mental conflict.