English vocabulary · C2
Throes
/θroʊz/ · n. pl.
In the throes of pain, you are deep in its hardest part. The struggle fills your whole world.
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Example sentences
- She was in the throes of labor.
- The town was in the throes of change.
Word origin and roots
- origin — unknown
Synonyms and nuances
- AGONY — great pain (Sharp suffering)
- TURMOIL — troubled confusion (Deep upset)
- STRUGGLE — a difficult fight (Hard effort)
Similar words
- agony
- turmoil
- struggle
- anguish
- distress
Lesson notes
In the throes of pain, you are deep in its hardest part. The struggle fills your whole world.
Related: agony, turmoil, struggle. Use throes when pain fills the moment.
She was in the throes of labor. The town was in the throes of change.
Throes has no known origin. It appeared in English around 1200. In pain, one hard moment can fill the whole world.