ache
ache
I
/ˈeık/ verb , aches, ached, ach·ing [ no obj ]
1 : to produce a dull continuous pain : to hurt in a way that is constant but not severe
Her muscles were aching from shoveling snow.
After running the marathon, his body ached for a week.
The candy's so sweet that it makes my teeth ache.
— often used figuratively
His heart ached [=he felt sad and sorry] for the children begging on the streets.
2 : to want or desire something or someone very much
— often + for
After years of war, most people are aching [=longing, yearning] for peace.
Her heart ached for him.
— often followed by to + verb
I've been aching to see you.
————————
II
noun , pl aches [ count ]
: a pain that is not sharp but continues for a long time
He had a dull ache in his back from lifting boxes all day.
muscle aches
— often used in combination with parts of the body
a headache
a stomachache
toothaches
— often used figuratively
She looked through the old pictures with a dull ache in her heart.
◇ Aches and pains are many small pains that happen at the same time and make people feel uncomfortable.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, general aches and pains, and sore throat.
the many aches and pains of old age
achy /ˈeıki/ adj , ach·i·er, -est
My feet are tired and achy from walking all day.
