pang (n.)

1520s, "sudden paroxysm of physical pain, acute painful spasm," a word of unknown origin, not found in Middle English. Perhaps it is related to prong (prongys of deth is recorded from mid-15c.). Reference to mental or emotional pain is from 1560s. As a verb, "cause or suffer a pang or pangs," c. 1500. Related: Pangs.

updated on December 28, 2019