Agonize over Meaning in English
expression
ˈæɡəˌnaɪz/ /ˈoʊvɝ
AG-uh-nyze OH-ver
ˈæ.ɡən.aɪz/ /ˈəʊvɐ
AG-uh-nyze OH-vuh
Definition
To think about something a lot in a worried or anxious way, often having trouble making a decision.
Usage & Nuances
Used in informal to neutral contexts; often followed by a noun or 'about' + noun/verb-ing. Implies strong mental or emotional struggle, especially before making choices. Not for mild or everyday worries—suggests significant distress or overthinking.
Spanish: darle muchas vueltas a - obsesionarse con - angustiarse porPortuguese (BR): sofrer por - ficar angustiado com - se preocupar excessivamente comPortuguese (PT): sofrer com - angustiar-se com - preocupar-se excessivamente comChinese (Simplified): 为……苦恼 - 对……苦思冥想Chinese (Traditional): 為……苦惱 - 對……苦思冥想Hindi: के बारे में बेहद चिंता करना - परेशान होनाArabic: يُعذِّب نفسه بشأن - يَقْلَق بشدة بشأنBengali: ভেবেচিন্তে দুঃশ্চিন্তা করা - নিয়ে অতিরিক্ত উদ্বিগ্ন হওয়াRussian: мучиться из-за - сильно переживать оJapanese: 悩む - 思い悩むVietnamese: dằn vặt về - băn khoăn lo lắng vềKorean: 고민하다 - 애태우다Turkish: kafa yormak - aşırı endişelenmekUrdu: بے حد پریشان ہونا - شدید تردد کرناIndonesian: galau tentang - sangat memikirkan
Example Sentences
Don't agonize over small mistakes; everyone makes them.
basic
She always agonizes over what to wear to parties.
basic
I agonized over choosing the right university.
basic
He tends to agonize over every little detail before making a decision.
natural
Stop agonizing over it and just give your answer!
natural
They spent hours agonizing over the wording of the email.
natural