Synonyms for

Hurting

Verb / ˈhɜ:tɪŋ / Another word for hurting — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Causing pain or distress to someone or something.

Synonyms & similar words

anguish injure bruise bewell suffer pain hurt ache spite wound offend smart aching sore painful throbbing smarting stinging pricking piercing paining twingeing twinging nagging cramping stabbing burning tender sensitive raw stinging

Synonyms by register

Formal

afflicted distressed pained suffering

Informal

aching sore ouchy bugging

Literary

wounded grieving anguished

Antonyms

healing soothing comforting relieving mending restoring beneficial

Common collocations

  • hurting badly
  • hurting inside
  • hurting a lot
  • hurting someone
  • hurting feelings
  • hurting the cause
  • hurting my head

Word family

noun hurt
verb hurt
adjective hurt

Usage note

While 'hurting' can refer to physical pain, it is very commonly used to describe emotional or psychological distress. Be mindful of the context to understand the intended meaning.

Example sentences

  1. My heart is hurting because my best friend moved away.
  2. When I fell off the monkey bars, my arm started hurting.
  3. Sometimes when I have a headache, my eyes start hurting too.
  4. If you touch a hot stove, it will start hurting.
  5. My dog's paw was hurting so we took him to the vet.

Quotes

  • It hurts to love. It's like giving yourself to be flayed and knowing that at any moment the other person may just walk off with your skin. - Susan Sontag
  • The only way to avoid being hurt is to have no hope, which is the biggest hurt of all. - Unknown
  • The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for. - Bob Marley

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