throes /θrəʊz/

• 1. 

  N-PLURAL If someone is experiencing something bad or emotionally painful, you can say that they are in the throes of it, especially when it is in its final stages. (尤指最后阶段的)困境; 痛苦 [正式] [usu prep N, N 'of' n]

  例：

  ...when the country was going through the final throes of civil war.

  ...当时这个国家正处在内战最后的痛苦关头。

• 2. 

  PREP-PHRASE If you are in the throes of doing or experiencing something, especially something difficult, you are busy doing it or are deeply involved in it. 正忙于…; 处于…困境之中 [正式]

  例：

  The country is in the throes of a general election.

  该国正忙于大选。

• 3. 

  → see also death throes