Ache

/ˈeɪk/ · verb

Meaning

(intransitive, stative) To suffer pain; to be the source of, or be in, pain, especially continued dull pain; to be distressed..

Definitions by Sense

1. (intransitive, stative) To suffer pain; to be the source of, or be in, pain, especially continued dull pain; to be distressed.
2. (transitive, literary, rare) To cause someone or something to suffer pain.
3. Continued dull pain, as distinguished from sudden twinges, or spasmodic pain.
4. (obsolete or historical) Parsley.
5. Rare spelling of aitch.

Example Sentences

My feet were aching for days after the marathon.

Every muscle in his body ached.

By'r lakin, I can goe no further, Sir, / My old bones akes:^([sic]) here's a maze trod indeede / Through fourth rights, & Meanders: / by your patience, I needes muſt reſt me.

And that thing made of ſound and ſhovv / VVhich mortals have miſnamed A Beau, / (But in the language of the ſky / Is call'd a tvvolegg'd butterfly) / VVill make your very heartſtrings ake / VVith loud and everlaſting clack, […]

The turmoil went on—no rest, no peace. […] It was nearly eleven o'clock now, and he strolled out again. In the little fair created by the costers' barrows the evening only seemed beginning; and the naphtha flares made one's eyes ache, the men's voices grated harshly, and the girls' faces saddened one.

You may suffer a minor ache in your side.

The aches and pains died down after taking an analgesic.

Fill all thy bones with aches.

Synonyms for ache

Antonyms for ache

Related Words

Word Forms

• aches
• aching
• ached
• oke
• aken
• ake

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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