Main Entry: ¹ache

Pronunciation: \ˈāk\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): ached; ach·ing

Etymology: Middle English aken, from Old English acan

Date: before 12th century

1 a : to suffer a usually dull persistent pain <an aching back> b : to become distressed or disturbed (as with anxiety or regret) <aching with sadness> c : to feel compassion <my heart aches for those poor people>
2 : to experience a painful eagerness or yearning <he is aching to go>