'angor' originates from Latin, specifically the noun 'angor' from the verb 'angere,' where the root 'ang-' meant 'to tighten, strangle; to cause distress.'

'Angor' entered English via Medieval/Medical Latin usage; Latin 'angor' (pressing tightness, anguish) continued in scholarly and clinical contexts and eventually became the modern English noun 'angor'.

Initially, it meant physical constriction and mental anguish; over time it developed specialized medical senses such as oppressive chest pain and a sense of impending death.