twinge

American  

[twinj] / twɪndʒ /

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.

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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 British  

/ twɪndʒ /

noun

1. a sudden brief darting or stabbing pain

2. a sharp emotional pang

   a twinge of guilt

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verb

1. to have or cause to have a twinge

2. obsolete (tr) to pinch; tweak

Etymology

Origin of twinge

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

Example Sentences

The twinge in my gut makes it hard to swallow another bite.

From Literature

Looking at Wolf waiting patiently, Torak felt a twinge of guilt.

From Literature

I felt a twinge of guilt for lying to him.

From Literature

She says this last part with a twinge of pride in her voice.

From Literature

But . . . “pain” is too strong a word for whatever twinge I just felt.

From Literature

Related Words

• ache
• pang
• shiver
• spasm