twinge

[twinj]

noun

1. a sudden, sharp pain.

   On damp days, he's often bothered by a twinge of rheumatism.

   Synonyms: stab, pang, cramp, spasm

2. a mental or emotional pang.

   a twinge of guilt; twinges of sorrow.

verb (used with object)

twinged, twinging 

1. to affect (the body or mind) with a sudden, sharp pain or pang.

2. to pinch; tweak; twitch.

verb (used without object)

twinged, twinging 

1. to have or feel a sudden, sharp pain.

twinge

/ twɪndʒ /

noun

1. a sudden brief darting or stabbing pain

2. a sharp emotional pang

   a twinge of guilt

verb

1. to have or cause to have a twinge

2. obsolete,  (tr) to pinch; tweak

Word History and Origins

Origin of twinge¹

before 1000; Middle English twengen to pinch, Old English twengan

Word History and Origins

Origin of twinge¹

Old English twengan to pinch; related to Old High German zwengen

Example Sentences

He said he had twinges in his ribs and back for a year and a half before his diagnosis, but initially put them down to playing a lot of golf.

From BBC

But, intentional or not, contained within his September critique was a twinge of doubt about the viability of a defence-first mantra in the modern age.

From BBC

“The real challenge from a public health perspective is, how do you recognize when your little twinge of loneliness, which everyone has from time to time, starts to spiral out of control?”

From Salon

Even if it was only a twinge, it was enough for the Rams to shut down Stafford.

From Los Angeles Times

Vance may have refused to engage with her mental health, but at least a twinge of his love for her shone through in the book.

From Salon

Related Words

• ache 
• pang 
• shiver 
• spasm