ache

Lingering bodily discomfort

An ache is a dull, persistent pain—distinct from sharp or stabbing sensations.

Body parts ache: My back aches, an aching tooth.

The word extends to emotional longing: She ached for home, an aching heart.

As a noun: a dull ache in my shoulder, the ache of missing someone.

physical

throbbing

Rhythmic painful pulsing

dullLacking edge or interest
sharpFine-edged, or astute
naggingPersistent bothering or complaining

persistent · chronic · stabbing · gnawing · shooting · pang · twinge · discomfort · tenderness · soreness

emotional

longing

Intense, persistent desire

griefIntense sorrow from loss
sadnessState of emotional pain
yearningIntense prolonged craving

pining · melancholy · nostalgia · sorrow · anguish · loneliness · wistfulness · regret · emptiness · despair

desire

craving

Powerful urge to have

hungerNeed for nourishment
thirstNeed for fluid
longingIntense, persistent desire

yearning · wanting · need · pining · desire · urge · hankering · itch · restlessness

bodypart

muscle

Contractile body tissue

backReverse side; support
headUppermost body part
toothCalcified jaw structure

jaw · joint · bone · stomach · neck · shoulder · knee · temple · limb · body

remedy

painkiller

Medication reducing discomfort

aspirinAcetylsalicylic acid tablet
ibuprofenAnti-inflammatory pain reliever
massageSoft tissue manipulation

compress · rest · relief · soothe · ease · analgesic · balm · liniment · heating pad · ice pack

Categories

painpain, agony, hurt, hurting, suffering
symptomsfever, pain, nausea, rash, cough
ailmentsailment, cold, flu, asthma, cough
bodily sensationspain, tingling, burning, numbness, throbbing
body discomfortsitching, burning, stinging, throbbing, cramping
body painpain, pang, throb, soreness, muscle pain

Opposites

physical sensation

Ease or soothing relief

ease · relief · pleasure · soothing · painlessness

emotional/psychological state

achejoy

Intense positive emotion

contentment · fulfillment · satisfaction · delight · pleasure

pain quality

achestab

Pierce with point

sharp pain · twinge · stabbing · shooting pain · jolt

Phrases

body achesDiffuse muscular soreness
stomach achePain in digestive region
aches and painsMinor bodily discomforts
tummy acheInformal abdominal discomfort
muscle achesPain in soft tissue
aches forDesires with painful intensity

Family

headache, aching, achy, heartache, aches, stomachache, ached, bellyache, toothache

Familiarity: Top 5,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G