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

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

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He said he had twinges in his ribs and back for a year and a half before his diagnosis, but initially put them down to playing a lot of golf.

Read more on BBC

But, intentional or not, contained within his September critique was a twinge of doubt about the viability of a defence-first mantra in the modern age.

Read more on BBC

“The real challenge from a public health perspective is, how do you recognize when your little twinge of loneliness, which everyone has from time to time, starts to spiral out of control?”

Read more on Salon

Even if it was only a twinge, it was enough for the Rams to shut down Stafford.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ache 
• pang 
• shiver 
• spasm