throe

Từ điển American Heritage Dictionary 4th

throe (thrō)n.
1. A severe pang or spasm of pain, as in childbirth. See Synonyms at pain.
2. throes A condition of agonizing struggle or trouble:
a country in the throes of economic collapse. [Middle English throwe, perhaps alteration of thrawe, from Old English thrawu, genitive of thrēah, pain, affliction.]