noun
1. (usually plural) a deep, wrenching pain or sudden spasm, as in death or childbirth.
The throes of a heart attack made him clutch his chest in agony.
2. (usually plural) any convulsive or anguished struggle, or great exertion.
The soldiers were in the throes of combat when reinforcements arrived.
Sorry about the mess; we’re in the throes of moving to a new house.