pang

American  

[pang] / pæŋ /

noun

1. a sudden feeling of mental or emotional distress or longing.

   a pang of remorse; a pang of desire.

   Synonyms:

   stab, prick, throb, ache, twinge

2. a sudden, brief, sharp pain or physical sensation; spasm.

   hunger pangs.

   Synonyms:

   stab, prick, throb, ache, twinge

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pang British  

/ pæŋ /

noun

1. a sudden brief sharp feeling, as of loneliness, physical pain, or hunger

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Etymology

Origin of pang

First recorded in 1495–1505; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

I feel a pang of jealousy but quickly come to my senses.

From Literature

And at once a pang of loneliness stabbed through him.

From Literature

At first, even he felt a momentary pang of caution.

From The Wall Street Journal

For an instant I felt a pang, picturing myself in Tokyo or Timbuktu, craving one of my aunts peach pies.

From Literature

As they entered the building Sadako felt a pang of fear.

From Literature

Related Words

• agony
• anguish
• discomfort
• spasm