I. ˈāk intransitive verb
( 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 ache s for those poor people
2. : to experience a painful eagerness or yearning
they were aching to go
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1. : a usually dull persistent pain
2. : a condition marked by aching