Pang

A sudden, sharp, and often brief feeling of physical or emotional pain or distress. This can manifest as a shooting sensation in the body or an intense, fleeting emotional hurt, like grief, longing, or regret. It signifies a momentary but potent experience of suffering, causing a noticeable disruption in one's sense of well-being. The intensity and duration can vary, but the defining characteristic is its sudden onset and sharpness, leaving a distinct impression even after it subsides.

Pang meaning with examples

• A sharp pang of hunger struck John after skipping lunch, driving him to search the pantry for a snack immediately. His stomach rumbled, and he knew he needed to eat something soon. The pang had disappeared completely after he ate a bag of chips and a sandwich.
• She felt a pang of guilt as she read the letter, recalling her broken promise to her grandmother. Her heart felt heavy with remorse and the pain she caused her grandmother; she immediately vowed to make amends as soon as possible.
• Upon seeing his ex-partner, he experienced a pang of longing, remembering the joy they once shared. This painful yearning reminded him of his past; he attempted to ignore it in the hope it would soon pass. He was happy with his current life, even if he couldn't forget the past.
• The soldier felt a pang of fear as the battle commenced, the sound of gunfire making him freeze with terror. He fought the fear to focus on the objective; he knew that in this scenario fear could be the worst enemy.