pang

[ pang ]

/ pæŋ /

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See synonyms for: pang / pangs on Thesaurus.com

noun

a sudden feeling of mental or emotional distress or longing: a pang of remorse; a pang of desire.

a sudden, brief, sharp pain or physical sensation; spasm: hunger pangs.

OTHER WORDS FOR pang

1, 2 twinge, ache, throb, prick, stab.

See synonyms for pang on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of pang

First recorded in 1495–1505; origin uncertain

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pang in a sentence

Exploring the pangs of this tumultuous relationship is what most attracted Kent to this project.
‘The Babadook’ Is the Best (and Most Sincere) Horror Movie of the Year|Samuel Fragoso|November 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Nostalgic pangs aside, it would also be a semi-admittance by LeBron that he made a mistake way back when.
Where Free Agent LeBron James Will Take His Talents Next|Robert Silverman|June 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Even the most astute observer of the healthiest lifestyle can fall victim to the pangs of weather-related headaches.
Why Everything from Frigid Temperatures to Lightning Can Induce Migraines|Caitlin Dickson|January 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
So when the pangs of “twist” (hunger) make Oliver ask for more, Mr. Limkins predicts “that boy will be hung” (will “twist”).
What’s in a Name? Writers and Their Anthroponymy|Anthony Paletta|February 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The book also captures all the pangs the editor of a letter collection encounters.
Book Bag: The Best Letter Collections|R. Blakeslee Gilpin|December 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He knew, if those watching him did not, the terrible pangs of starvation and here was provision for many a day.
Dorothy at Skyrie|Evelyn Raymond
They exulted amid their keenest pangs that they were counted worthy to suffer for their divine Master.
The Catacombs of Rome|William Henry Withrow
Virginia was fortunate in escaping the most severe pangs of the depression years of the 1930's.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
For the moment the child was hers, she suffered pangs of maternal bereavement that seemed to tear her breast and twist her heart.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
The Prince leaves the boat to help them find the place, and the little maid suffers intensely the pangs of jealousy.
Frdric Mistral|Charles Alfred Downer

British Dictionary definitions for pang

pang

/ (pæŋ) /

noun

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

Word Origin for pang

C16: variant of earlier prange, of Germanic origin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

pang

OTHER WORDS FOR pang

Origin of pang

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How to use pang in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for pang

Word Origin for pang