Headache: meaning, definitions and examples

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headache

[ ˈhɛdˌeɪk ]

^{Context #1}

feeling of pain in the head

A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. It can be a dull ache, sharp, throbbing, constant, mild, or severe. Headaches can be caused by various factors such as stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, or underlying health conditions.

Synonyms

cephalalgia, head pain, migraine

Examples of usage

I have a terrible headache today.
She took a painkiller to relieve her headache.
Staring at the computer screen for too long can trigger a headache.

^{Context #2}

a problem or difficulty

In a metaphorical sense, a headache can refer to a problem or difficulty that causes stress or frustration. It can be a situation or task that is challenging or troublesome.

Synonyms

challenge, problem, trouble

Examples of usage

Dealing with the paperwork has been a real headache.
The project turned out to be a headache for the team.
Trying to fix the issue became a massive headache for the IT department.

Translations

Translations of the word "headache" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dor de cabeça

🇮🇳 सरदर्द

🇩🇪 Kopfschmerzen

🇮🇩 sakit kepala

🇺🇦 головний біль

🇵🇱 ból głowy

🇯🇵 頭痛 (ずつう)

🇫🇷 mal de tête

🇪🇸 dolor de cabeza

🇹🇷 baş ağrısı

🇰🇷 두통 (dutong)

🇸🇦 صداع (sada'a)

🇨🇿 bolest hlavy

🇸🇰 bolesť hlavy

🇨🇳 头痛 (tóutòng)

🇸🇮 glavobol

🇮🇸 höfuðverkur

🇰🇿 бас ауруы

🇬🇪 თავის ტკივილი

🇦🇿 baş ağrısı

🇲🇽 dolor de cabeza

Word origin

The word 'headache' originated from the Old English 'heafodac', which combined 'heafod' (head) and 'ac' (pain). Throughout history, headaches have been described in various cultures and medical texts, with treatments ranging from herbal remedies to modern medication and therapies. Headaches continue to be a common ailment experienced by people of all ages.