headache
UK: ˈhɛdeɪk | US: ˈhɛdˌeɪk
n. a continuous pain in the head
n. (figurative) a persistent problem or source of trouble
The word "headache" is a straightforward compound of "head" (Old English hēafod, meaning the upper part of the body) and "ache" (Old English æce, meaning pain). "Ache" originally functioned as both a noun and verb, but its usage as a verb declined over time. The compound emerged in Middle English (as hevedeche) to describe literal head pain, later extending metaphorically to describe troublesome situations. The logic is transparent: just as physical pain disrupts comfort, persistent problems "pain" one's mental state.
She took aspirin to relieve her headache.
The noisy construction outside gave him a terrible headache.
Managing this project has been a real headache for the team.
Dehydration can often cause mild headaches.
The tax paperwork was such a headache that he hired an accountant.