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

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.

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on Literature

Another factor creating twinges of anxiety in markets has been the recent upward pressure in short-term funding markets, especially as they reared up at the end of October.

Read more on MarketWatch

Feel a twinge of embarrassment looking at some of the outfits the teams are being forced to wear.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• ache 
• pang 
• shiver 
• spasm