Headache: meaning, definitions and examples

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headache

 

[ หˆhษ›dหŒeษชk ]

Context #1 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
headache

Commonly used in everyday speech to describe mild to moderate pain in the head, usually caused by tension, stress, or minor health issues.

  • I've had a headache all day; I think I need to lie down.
  • She took some aspirin to relieve her headache.
head pain

General term that describes any kind of pain experienced in the head. It is often used when the exact cause or character of the pain is not specified.

  • He's been complaining of head pain for several days.
  • Head pain can be a symptom of various medical conditions.
cephalalgia

A medical term used primarily in formal or clinical settings to refer to any type of head pain.

  • The patient is experiencing cephalalgia, likely due to hypertension.
  • Studies on cephalalgia indicate various treatment options.
migraine

Specifically refers to a type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

  • She couldn't come to work today because she's suffering from a severe migraine.
  • Migraines can be debilitating and last for hours or even days.

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 | Noun

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
headache

Typically refers to a physical ailment in which a person feels pain in their head. Can also be used metaphorically to describe something that causes worry or difficulty.

  • I've got a terrible headache after staying up all night.
  • Dealing with all this paperwork has been such a headache.
problem

Refers to an issue or situation that requires a solution. It can be either straightforward or complex and often implies something that needs to be fixed or addressed.

  • We have a problem with the new software update.
  • Letโ€™s find a way to solve this problem before it gets worse.
trouble

Often used to describe situations that cause difficulty, worry, or distress. It can sometimes have a more serious or threatening connotation compared to a problem.

  • He's in a lot of trouble with the law.
  • The car is giving me too much trouble lately.
challenge

Used to describe a situation that tests someone's abilities or resources in a positive way. Often seen as an opportunity for growth or achievement.

  • Completing the marathon was a real challenge, but I feel proud.
  • The project presented many challenges, but we succeeded in the end.

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dor de cabeรงa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฐเคฆเคฐเฅเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kopfschmerzen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sakit kepala

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะพะปะพะฒะฝะธะน ะฑั–ะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bรณl gล‚owy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ ญ็—› (ใšใคใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mal de tรชte

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ dolor de cabeza

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท baลŸ aฤŸrฤฑsฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‘ํ†ต (dutong)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุตุฏุงุน (sada'a)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bolest hlavy

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bolesลฅ hlavy

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคด็—› (tรณutรฒng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ glavobol

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hรถfuรฐverkur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐั ะฐัƒั€ัƒั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒก แƒขแƒ™แƒ˜แƒ•แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ baลŸ aฤŸrฤฑsฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dolor de cabeza

Etymology

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.

See also: beheader, head, headband, headbands, header, headgear, headhunter, heading, headland, headline, headman, headmaster, headmistress, headpiece, headquarters, headrest, headscarf, headset, headshot, headsman, headstall, headstrong, headwear, headwind, headwrap, hothead, overhead.