throe Hear it!

throe Definition

throe (t̸hrō)

noun

a spasm or pang of pain: usually used in pl. the throes of childbirth, death throes

Etymology: ME throwe, prob. < OE thrawu, pain, affliction, akin to ON thrā, strong yearning < IE *treu- (> Gr trauma, a wound) < base *ter-, to rub, grind > throw

throe Idioms

in the throes of

in the act of struggling with (a problem, decision, task, etc.)
throe Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • final: Meanwhile, organized religion is in its final, violent death throes.
  • last: When the ancient world was in its last throes, the ancient religions were overcome by Christianity.

Noun used with modifier

  • death: Here's a taster: " Outlines of newborn left in red snow, death throes infect ME!