verb
ail
Ail (verb) means to cause someone pain or trouble, often used when asking what is wrong with them.
verb
1
To cause someone pain or trouble, often used when asking what is wrong with them.
"Not content with having in 1996 put a Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA) on the statue book, Congress has now begun to hold hearings on a Respect for Marriage Act. Defended, respected: what could possibly ail marriage in America?"
— “Connubial bliss in America”, Connubial bliss in America (2011)
"Have some chicken soup. It's good for what ails you."
2
To feel unwell or be in pain.
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Etymology
Inherited from Middle English eilen, from Old English eġlan, eġlian (“to trouble, afflict”), from Proto-West Germanic *aglijan, from Proto-Germanic *aglijaną (“to trouble, vex”), cognate with Gothic 𐌰𐌲𐌻𐌾𐌰𐌽 (agljan, “to distress”).
Synonyms
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Rhymes for ail
See all rhymes for ail →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of ail?
"ail" (verb) means to cause someone pain or trouble, often used when asking what is wrong with them.
What is another word for ail?
Other words for "ail" include trouble, pain.
What are the different meanings of ail?
"ail" has 2 main meanings: 1. To cause someone pain or trouble, often used when asking what is wrong with them; 2. To feel unwell or be in pain.