ache Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
    aching.
  2. verb feel physical pain
    suffer; hurt.
    • Were you hurting after the accident?
  3. verb have a desire for something or someone who is not present
    yearn; languish; pine; yen.
    • She ached for a cigarette
    • I am pining for my lover
  4. verb be the source of pain
    smart; hurt.

WordNet

Ache noun
Etymology
OE. ache, AS. æce, ece, fr. acan to ache. See Ache, v. i.
Definitions
  1. Continued pain, as distinguished from sudden twinges, or spasmodic pain. "Such an ache in my bones." Shak. ✍ Often used in composition, as, a headache, an earache, a toothache.
Ache intransitive verb
Etymology
OE. aken, AS. acan, both strong verbs, AS. acan, imp. oc, p. p. acen, to ache; perh. orig. to drive, and akin to agent.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Ached present participle & verbal noun Aching
Definitions
  1. To suffer pain; to have, or be in, pain, or in continued pain; to be distressed. "My old bones ache." Shak.
    The sins that in your conscience ache. Keble.

Webster 1913