scab Synonyms
Another word for scab
• noun (Context 1)
A dry, rough protective crust that forms over a cut, wound, or sore during healing.
"The doctor advised the child not to pick at the crust on his knee so that the skin wouldn't scar."
• verb (Context 2)
To become covered with a dry, protective crust as a wound heals (often followed by 'over').
"Within a few days, the scrape on her elbow had begun to cicatrize over."
• noun (Context 3)
A worker who refuses to join a labor strike or who takes the place of a striking worker (used derogatorily).
"Tensions rose outside the factory gates as union members shouted at the scabs entering the building."
• noun (Context 4)
Any of various contagious skin diseases in domestic animals, such as sheep, caused by parasitic mites and characterized by crusted sores; mange.
"The veterinarian quarantined the newly arrived flock to ensure they were free of sheep mange."
• noun (Context 5)
Any of several fungal or bacterial plant diseases that produce dark, crustlike spots on fruits, tubers, or leaves, such as apple scab or potato scab.
"Cool, wet spring weather caused an outbreak of apple blight across the orchard."
• verb (Context 6)
To work as a strikebreaker by continuing to work during a labor strike or replacing a striking worker.
"He refused to blackleg on his fellow union members despite the financial hardship of the strike."
Opposites of scab
The opposite of scab shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: