This is the 8420th most frequent Japanese word.
悶える
To writhe or agonize, often emotionally or physically.
Here, "悶える" is used to express emotional or mental turmoil, indicating he is deeply struggling or distressed due to facing a tough decision.
彼は難しい選択を前に悶えている。
He is agonizing over a difficult choice.
In this instance, "悶える" conveys physical agony, referring to her writhing in response to acute discomfort.
彼女は痛みで床に悶えていた。
She was writhing on the floor in pain.
In this sentence, "悶える" illustrates continual distress due to anxiety about future uncertainties, signaling a psychological struggle.