Agony and distress are two words that are often used interchangeably to describe a state of intense physical or mental suffering. Agony is typically used to refer to a more extreme form of distress, while distress is used to refer to a more moderate form of suffering. Both terms can be used to describe a wide range of emotions, from physical pain to emotional ANGUISH. In general, agony and distress are both used to describe a state of intense suffering, but agony is usually used to refer to a more extreme form of suffering.