n.
- A sudden sharp spasm of pain. See synonyms at pain.
- A sudden sharp feeling of emotional distress.
To cause to feel pangs; distress acutely.
[Origin unknown.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.