Pronunciation

/stɪŋ/

Definitions

Noun

A sting can refer to:

1. (noun, insect) The sharp painful sensation caused by the injection of venom by an insect like a bee or wasp. Example: “The bee’s sting left a red welt on her arm.”
2. (noun, slang) A deceitful or malicious action, often involving a sudden or unexpected attack. Example: “His comment was a verbal sting that hurt my feelings.”
3. (noun, figurative) A feeling of irritation or resentment. Example: “She felt a sting of jealousy when she saw them together.”

Verb

To sting (as a verb):

1. To inflict a sting with a stinging creature, such as a bee. Example: “The bee stung him on the hand.”
2. To harm emotionally or verbally. Example: “Her words stung like a whip.”
3. (Informal) To play a prank or tease someone. Example: “The kids stung each other with water balloons.”

Adjective

Stinging describes something that causes a sharp, painful sensation or is sharply critical or biting. Example: “The stinging sunburn on his skin.”

Adverb

Stingingly describes something done with great sharpness or intensity. Example: “His criticism stungingly accurate.”

Phrases

• “Got stung by a bee”
• “Feel the sting of defeat”
• “A stinging retort”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The hiker was surprised by a wasp’s sting on her ankle.”
• Verb: “He remembered the sting of rejection from his application.”
• Adjective: “The stinging scent of citrus filled the air.”
• Adverb: “Her words stungingly exposed the truth.”

Synonyms

-蜇 (insect sting)

• Harass
• Insult
• Wounding remark
• nettlesome (causing irritation)