[f. AGONIZE v. + -ING2.]
1. Causing agony or extreme anguish, torturing.
1686. Dryden, Hind & P., III. 287. O sharp convulsive pangs of agonizing pride!
1764. Goldsm., Trav., 435. The lifted ax, the agonizing wheel.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, II. xiii. 64. With a smile of agonising courtesy.
1861. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., V. 45. What Fenwick must have suffered, the agonizing struggle between the fear of shame and the fear of death.
2. Suffering agony; writhing in pain or anguish; in the throes of death.
1666. in Phil. Trans., I. 249. An extraordinary Restorative and Cordiall, recovering frequently with it agonizing persons.
1728. Thomson, Spring, 586. Convulsive twist in agonizing folds.
1812–21. Combe (Dr. Syntax), Consolation, I. (Chandos), 129. His agonising bosom burns.
