headache

[hed-eyk]

noun

1. a pain located in the head, as over the eyes, at the temples, or at the base of the skull.

2. an annoying or bothersome person, situation, activity, etc.

headache

/ ˈhɛdˌeɪk /

noun

1. Technical name: cephalalgia. pain in the head, caused by dilation of cerebral arteries, muscle contraction, insufficient oxygen in the cerebral blood, reaction to drugs, etc

2. informal,  any cause of worry, difficulty, or annoyance

headache

1. Pain in the head, caused by stimulation of or pressure to any of various structures of the head, such as tissue covering the cranium, cranial nerves, or blood vessels. Headache can be a primary disorder, as in migraine or cluster headaches, or a common symptom associated with head injury or many illnesses such as acute infection, brain tumor or abscess, eye disorders such as glaucoma, dental disease, and hypertension.

2. See also cluster headache migraine

Word History and Origins

Origin of headache¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English hēafodece. See head, ache

Example Sentences

One woman told the group that excessive heat worsens her hypertension headaches, while another said that when it’s hot out, she gets more irritated by noises she can’t control.

From Los Angeles Times

The issue for SPS bosses is that both these groups need to be accommodated separately from the mainstream prison population, a big headache when space is at such a premium.

From BBC

France - like many developed nations - is facing the demographic headache of an ageing population - fewer workers being taxed and more people drawing the state pension.

From BBC

These headaches would suggest that there is a niche for companies developing alternative ways of making iron and steel.

From BBC

“He was very convincing, and he has a charismatic quality as an actor. And I’m surprised he wanted to go into politics. Politics is nothing but headaches and critical decisions and agony.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dilemma 
• hassle 
• inconvenience 
• trouble 
• worry