headache

head-ache · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A continuous pain in the head.

  2. 2.

    (informal) A person or thing that causes worry, difficulty, or annoyance.

Forms

plural: headaches

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    splitting headache — an extremely painful headache
  • •
    give someone a headache — to cause someone worry or trouble
  • •
    a real headache — a significant problem or nuisance

Related words

See also: ache, head, migraine, pain
Synonyms: head pain, migraine

Etymology

From Middle English hedache, a compound of hed ("head") and ache ("pain"). The compound has been used in English since the 13th century.