angor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely rare, archaic/obsoleteLiterary (archaic), historical/technical (medical)
Quick answer
What does “angor” mean?
An obsolete term referring to a feeling of extreme mental distress, anxiety, or anguish.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An obsolete term referring to a feeling of extreme mental distress, anxiety, or anguish; also an old medical term for a strangling chest pain.
In historical literary or medical contexts, it can refer to intense constricting pain, particularly in the chest (angina), or to profound emotional torment. It is a direct borrowing from Latin meaning 'strangling' or 'anguish'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No practical difference in usage, as the word is equally obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely historical or literary; may imply a classical or learned tone if used deliberately.
Frequency
Virtually never used in contemporary speech or writing in either variety.
Grammar
How to Use “angor” in a Sentence
He suffered (from) angor.The angor in his chest was severe.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “angor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not used as a verb)
American English
- (Not used as a verb)
adjective
British English
- (Rare/obsolete: angorous) The patient described an angorous sensation.
American English
- (Rare/obsolete: angorous) He felt an angorous tightness in his chest.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical/medical discourse discussing older texts or concepts (e.g., 'In 17th-century medicine, angor referred to...').
Everyday
Not used; would be incomprehensible to most.
Technical
Obsolete medical term, relevant only in historical studies of medicine.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “angor”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'anger'.
- Misspelling as 'anger' or 'anchor'.
- Assuming it is a current medical term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both relate to strong feelings, 'angor' specifically denotes anguish, distress, or constricting pain, not the emotion of anger.
No. It is an obsolete term. Using it would likely confuse your listener or reader. Use 'anguish', 'anxiety', or 'distress' instead.
'Angor animi', a Latin phrase meaning 'anguish of the mind' or 'terror of the soul', sometimes found in historical or literary contexts.
Yes, etymologically. Both derive from the Latin 'angere' (to choke, strangle). 'Angina' is the modern medical term for chest pain, while 'angor' is its obsolete predecessor.
An obsolete term referring to a feeling of extreme mental distress, anxiety, or anguish.
Angor is usually literary (archaic), historical/technical (medical) in register.
Angor: in British English it is pronounced ˈæŋɡɔː, and in American English it is pronounced ˈæŋɡɔr. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “angor animi (Latin: terror/anguish of the soul)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANGOR' sounds like 'anger' mixed with 'anguish', which are related strong, painful feelings.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIN IS A CONSTRICTING FORCE / MENTAL SUFFERING IS PHYSICAL CONSTRICTION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you encounter the word 'angor' today?