in pain

in pain — idiom

1. experiencing physical suffering or emotional distress, usually because of an inj

1.idiomA2
Definition

experiencing physical suffering or emotional distress, usually because of an injury, illness, or difficult situation

Example

Allison cried out in pain when she touched the hot stove.

cry out + in pain for sudden physical reaction

The old dog whimpered softly, clearly in pain from its injured leg.

clearly in pain from [cause]

Common collocations
  • cry out in pain
  • in great pain
  • in obvious pain
  • in terrible pain
  • clearly in pain
Synonyms
  • suffering

    broader term that covers both physical and emotional pain; slightly more formal than 'in pain'

  • hurt

    more direct and common in everyday speech; often used for physical pain

  • aching

    specifically about dull, continuous physical pain rather than sharp or sudden pain

Antonyms
  • pain-free

    describing a state without any physical pain

  • comfortable

    feeling physically relaxed and free from pain or worry

Grammar Patterns

be + 'in pain'

feel + 'in pain'

cry out + 'in pain'

Usage Note

Usually appears after a linking verb such as 'be', 'feel', 'look', or 'seem'. Adverbs like 'great', 'obvious', or 'terrible' can intensify the phrase. A following 'from + noun phrase' gives the cause of the pain.

Common Mistakes

I am pain.
I am in pain.
The preposition 'in' is required; 'pain' alone does not describe a state of suffering.
He made me in pain.
He caused me pain.' or 'He hurt me.
'In pain' describes a state; it cannot follow 'make + object'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

'In pain' describes a state of physical or emotional distress and is the most neutral and commonly used expression. 'Suffering' is broader—it can cover long-term physical illness, emotional grief, or hardship—and carries a slightly more serious or formal tone ('the patient is suffering greatly'). 'Hurt' feels more direct and is often used in everyday speech for physical injury ('my back hurts'), but can also describe emotional wounds ('I was hurt by her words'). 'Aching' narrows the meaning to a dull, continuous physical discomfort and is less common for emotional distress. Choose 'in pain' for a clear, general statement; 'suffering' for a deeper or longer struggle; 'hurt' for a more personal, conversational tone; and 'aching' when the pain is steady and throbbing.

in pain ↗suffering ↗hurt ↗aching ↗

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The phrase 'in pain' comes from the Old French word 'peine' (meaning suffering or punishment), which in turn comes from Latin 'poena' (penalty, punishment). The preposition 'in' signals being within a state, so 'in pain' literally means 'within a state of suffering'. Over time, the meaning shifted from punishment-related suffering to general physical and emotional distress.