head ‧ ache /ˈhedeɪk/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 . a pain in your head:
If you have a headache, you should take some aspirin.
2 . informal a problem that is difficult or annoying to deal with:
Security is a big headache for airline operators.
—headachy adjective :
a headachy feeling
• • •
GRAMMAR
Headache is a countable noun:
▪
I had a headache (NOT I had headache).
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ bad/terrible/severe
I’ve got a really bad headache.
▪ a splitting headache (=a very bad headache)
The next day he woke up with a splitting headache.
▪ a throbbing/pounding/blinding headache (=a very bad headache)
He had a throbbing headache, behind his nose and his eyes.
▪ a slight headache ( also a bit of a headache spoken ) (=one that is not very serious )
I’d rather stay at home – I’ve got a bit of a headache.
■ verbs
▪ have a headache ( also have got a headache spoken )
She’s not coming – she says she’s got a headache.
▪ get headaches/suffer from headaches (=regularly have a headache)
He often gets headaches at school.
▪ give somebody a headache
The music was starting to give him a headache.
▪ cause headaches
The drug can cause headaches.
▪ complain of a headache (=say that you have a headache)
Your child may complain of headaches or problems seeing the blackboard.
▪ a headache goes away (=it stops)
I'd like to lie down for a bit to make my headache go away,
■ COMMON ERRORS
► Do not say 'a strong/heavy headache' . Say a bad headache .
Do not say 'a little headache' . Say a slight headache or a bit of a headache .
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ headache a pain in your head:
Looking at a computer for a long time can give you a headache.
▪ hangover a headache and feeling of sickness that you get the day after you have drunk too much alcohol:
The next day I had a terrible hangover.
▪ migraine /ˈmiːɡreɪn, ˈmaɪ- $ ˈmaɪ-/ a very bad headache, which makes you feel sick and have difficulty seeing:
He has suffered from migraines all his life.