'angustia' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'angustiae' (plural) / 'angustia' (sing.), where 'angustus' meant 'narrow' and the root 'angere' meant 'to press, choke.'

'angustiae' in Latin referred to 'straits, narrow places; difficulties.' This passed into Old Spanish and evolved into the modern Spanish noun 'angustia'.

Initially, it meant 'narrowness; straits; difficulties,' but over time it shifted toward the psychological sense of 'anguish; anxiety; distress' in Spanish usage.