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, twing·ing.

1. to affect (the body or mind) with a sudden, sharp pain or pang.
2. to pinch; tweak; twitch.

verb (used without object)

, twinged, twing·ing.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Vance may have refused to engage with her mental health, but at least a twinge of his love for her shone through in the book.

From Salon

He thought he would return in two or three weeks but felt a “twinge” in his rib-cage while taking batting practice in Arizona in late-May and has been unable to resume swinging a bat.

From Los Angeles Times

But Muncy said he felt a “twinge” in his rib cage while taking batting practice in Arizona during the Dodgers’ last trip and has been shut down indefinitely from most baseball activities.

From Los Angeles Times

I must admit that the former Vietnam protester in me feels a twinge of guilt whenever I have felt Pro-Palestinian protesters were misguided or getting out of hand.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• ache
• pang
• shiver
• spasm