stab
stab Lexical Profile
stab Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To thrust a knife or other pointed weapon into someone or something so as to wound or pierce.
"The chef used a fork to stab the potatoes and check if they were tender."
To push, poke, or thrust sharply at something with a finger or pointed object.
"Frustrated by the delay, he began to stab impatiently at the elevator button."
To cause a sudden, sharp, piercing sensation of physical pain or emotional distress.
"A sharp pain began to stab through his lower back after lifting the heavy box."
• noun
A thrust with a knife or other pointed weapon, or the wound resulting from such a blow.
"The ancient armor bore the marks of a deep stab to the chest plate."
A sudden, sharp sensation of physical pain or an unpleasant emotion.
"He felt a sudden stab of regret as the train pulled away from the station."
An informal attempt or try at doing something.
"She decided to take a stab at solving the difficult crossword puzzle."
• Rhymes for stab
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 14th century in Scottish and northern English, likely of Scandinavian origin and related to the Middle English word 'stob,' meaning a stake or post.