What term refers to hard or agonizing labor?

The term "travail" specifically refers to hard or agonizing labor, often associated with intense effort or suffering. It evokes a sense of toil that goes beyond mere physical work, incorporating elements of emotional or mental struggle as well. This word is frequently used to describe labor pains during childbirth, further emphasizing its connotation of difficulty and distress.

In contrast, the other options do not capture this essence of strenuous or painful work. "Struggle" suggests a contest or conflict but lacks the specificity of arduous labor inherent in "travail." "Easement" denotes relief from difficulty, which stands in stark contrast to the idea of labor. "Leisure," on the other hand, refers to free time away from work, making it diametrically opposed to the notion of hard work. Thus, "travail" is the most accurate choice for the definition provided.