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

And unlike other medical shows, most of the ailments are so bizarre that you won’t have to worry if that cough or twinge is a sign that you’re getting one of them.

From Los Angeles Times

I get a small twinge of nerves, but I’m halfway decent in math, so it should be okay.

From Literature

She felt a twinge of embarrassment about the “handsome,” but she had run out of H’s and, frankly, she did find Simon pleasing to look at.

From Literature

With a twinge of embarrassment Penelope realized that she must have spoken the name aloud.

From Literature

There was a twinge of uncertainty in his voice, but he meant it.

From Literature

Related Words

• ache
• pang
• shiver
• spasm