Angst vs. Anguish — What's the Difference?

Angst means fear or anxiety (anguish is its Latinate equivalent, and the words anxious and anxiety are of similar origin). The dictionary definition for angst is a feeling of anxiety, apprehension, or insecurity.

Anguish (from the Latin angustia "distress") is "extreme unhappiness caused by physical or mental suffering." The feeling of suffering from anguish is typically preceded by a tragedy or event that has a profound meaning to the being in question. Anguish can be felt physically or mentally (often referred to as emotional distress).

A feeling of anxiety, apprehension, or dread.

Agonizing physical or mental pain; torment.

To show or feel anxiety, apprehension, or dread

To cause to feel or suffer anguish.

Emotional turmoil; painful sadness.

To feel or suffer anguish.

A feeling of acute but vague anxiety or apprehension often accompanied by depression, especially philosophical anxiety.

Extreme pain, either of body or mind; excruciating distress.

To suffer angst; to fret.

(intransitive) To suffer pain.

An acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety; usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal freedom

(transitive) To cause to suffer pain.

Extreme pain, either of body or mind; excruciating distress.

To distress with extreme pain or grief.

Extreme mental distress

Extreme distress of body or mind

Suffer great pains or distress

Cause emotional anguish or make miserable;