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throes - 2 dictionary results

throe

  [throh]
Use throes in a Sentence
–noun
1. a violent spasm or pang; paroxysm.
2. a sharp attack of emotion.
3. throes,
a. any violent convulsion or struggle: the throes of battle.
b. the agony of death.
c. the pains of childbirth.
Origin:
1150–1200; ME throwe, alter. of thrawe (-o- from OE thrōwian to suffer, be in pain), OE thrawu; c. ON thrā (in līkthrā leprosy)

Synonyms:
3a. upheaval, tumult, chaos, turmoil.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To throes
throe   (thrō)   
n.  
  1. A severe pang or spasm of pain, as in childbirth. See Synonyms at pain.
  2. throes A condition of agonizing struggle or trouble: a country in the throes of economic collapse.

[Middle English throwe, perhaps alteration of thrawe, from Old English thrawu, genitive of thrēah, pain, affliction.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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