1. a severe pang or spasm of pain
Usage: often used in plural
2. a hard or painful struggle
Usage: often used in phrases like ‘in the throes of’

Examples

• She was in the throes of labor pain.
• The dying animal writhed in its final throes.
• The country is in the throes of economic crisis.
• He experienced throes of guilt after the accident.
• The company is in the throes of major restructuring.
• Death throes lasted only a few minutes.
• The throes of adolescence can be difficult for parents.