Pronunciation

/stæb/

Definitions

Noun

A noun referring to:

1. An act of piercing or thrusting something, especially with a sharp object, as a knife or dagger. Example: “The stab was deep and painful.”
2. A puncture wound caused by such an action. Example: “He received a stab wound in the back.”
3. A sudden, sharp pain or discomfort. Example: “The pain from her toothache was a constant stab.”

Verb

To stab, in the sense of:

1. To pierce or thrust something (a sharp object) into someone or something else. Example: “The attacker stabbed the victim repeatedly.”
2. To express or convey a feeling with a word or gesture that is harsh or critical. Example: “His comment really stabbed her feelings.”

Adjective

Referring to something sharp or pointed, as in a weapon or tool. Example: “The kitchen knife had a sturdy stab-proof handle.”

Phrases

• “Take a stab at” implies trying or guessing at something without certainty. Example: “I’ll take a stab at solving the problem.”
• “Feel like a stab in the heart” is an idiomatic expression meaning to feel deeply hurt or betrayed. Example: “Learning about their breakup felt like a stab in the heart.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The doctor carefully examined the stab wound on his arm.”
• Verb: “In a moment of anger, he stabbed her name into the conversation.”
• Adjective: “The soldier was trained to handle a variety of stab-resistant vests.”

Synonyms

• Piercing
• Thrust
• Wound
• Infliction
• Prick
• Pinch
• Pierce
• Penetrate

Note: The verb “stab” can also have a figurative meaning when used to describe a sudden, sharp emotional impact, which may not have a direct synonym in the physical sense.