tragic -
Something very sad often involving suffering.
The story of how Oedipus mistakenly killed his father and married his mother is a tragic story.
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Pain
noun
pang -
A sudden sharp pain or painful emotion
The year was 1900, and Dmitri felt a pang of nostalgia and regret as he boarded the boat for America, knowing that he would probably never see his 'old world' again.
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adjective
exasperating -
Intensely irritating; infuriating
Molly tried to enter the information in the online form, but she found the confusing directions so exasperating that she grabbed her own hair and screamed in frustration.
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adjective
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Strenuous -
Requiring great effort, energy, or strength, needing vigorous or intense in activity or action.
Hiking up the mountain was a strenuous task, but the view was worth it.
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nounverb noun
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Burden -
something you carry or withstand with much difficulty.
Financial debt can be a huge burden on families.
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noun
throes -
Intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or great change
Samantha experienced agonizing pain during the throes of childbirth.
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verb
writhe -
Make continual twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body
The soccer player writhed in pain on the ground after spraining his ankle.
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verb
flinch -
Make a quick, nervous movement of the face or body as an instinctive reaction to surprise, fear or pain
Debbie was very brave and didn’t flinch when the nurse put the needle in her arm to give her the flu shot.
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noun
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Shackles -
A device, such as a chain or cuff, designed to physically limit or control a person or thing's movement.
Shackles were placed on the prisoner's feet so that he would not be able to run away and escape.
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adjective
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Afflicted -
Suffering from a serious problem, illness, or pain, be it mental or physical.
Many people are afflicted with anxiety in high-pressure situations.
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noun
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Plight -
A difficult or unfortunate situation, often one that involves hardship or adversity.
The community came together to help improve the plight of the homeless during the harsh winter months.
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verb
wince -
Give a slight involuntary grimace or shrinking movement of the body out of or in anticipation of pain or distress
Tiger winced as he realized he had hit the ball too far beyond the hole.
