1. intense or violent pain and struggle, especially accompanying birth, death, or a major change
Usage: usually used in plural form

Examples

• The country was in the throes of a civil war.
• She was in the throes of labor for twelve hours.
• The company is in the throes of a major restructuring.
• He died in the throes of a heart attack.
• The nation was caught in the throes of economic collapse.
• The throes of adolescence can be difficult for both teens and parents.