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Definition of pang

pang

/pæŋ/
pang
Plural:pangs
•
Past Simple:panged
•
Past Participle:panged
•
Present Participle:panging
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pang Lexical Profile

pang Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A sudden, piercing feeling of painful emotion, such as guilt, regret, or sadness.

Example

"She experienced a sudden pang of remorse after speaking too harshly to her colleague."

2

A sudden, sharp, and brief pain or physical sensation, such as hunger or a muscle spasm.

Example

"By mid-afternoon, he felt a sharp pang of hunger and decided to take a lunch break."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To cause to feel a sudden, sharp pain or acute emotional distress (now rare or literary).

Example

"The memory of the lost opportunity panged him deeply for years afterward."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pang
Antonyms
View all antonyms for pang

• Rhymes for pang

• Nearby Words

panettone
panfry
panful
pang
pangani
pangasius
pangolin

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the early 16th century, 'pang' is an alteration of the late Middle English word 'prange', meaning a sharp pain or distress, which is likely related to the verb 'prong' (to pierce or stab).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pang. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pang
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