stab
stab
Stab (verb) means to pierce or wound someone or something with a pointed weapon such as a knife. Example: “The victim was stabbed twice in the arm.”
verb
1
To pierce or wound someone or something with a pointed weapon such as a knife.
"The victim was stabbed twice in the arm."
"He accidentally stabbed himself with a fork."
noun
1
A wound or act caused by stabbing.
"She was rushed to hospital with a stab wound."
2
Informal: an attempt at something.
"I'll take a stab at fixing the leak myself."
3
A sudden, sharp pain, whether physical or emotional.
"He felt a stab of guilt after the argument."
How to use stab
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pierce with a sharp object, or, informally, to have a go at doing something.
Common pairings
take a stab at
a stab of pain
stab wound
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Word forms
- Plural
- stabs
- Third person singular
- stabs
- Past tense
- stabbed
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She was rushed to hospital with a _____ wound.
Etymology
First recorded in Scottish English, from a Middle English word for a pointed stick or stake.
Related words
Rhymes for stab
See all rhymes for stab →Frequently asked questions
What does “stab” mean?
The word “stab” means to pierce or wound someone or something with a pointed weapon such as a knife. In plain terms, to pierce with a sharp object, or, informally, to have a go at doing something.
How do you pronounce “stab”?
“Stab” is pronounced stab (/stæb/ in IPA).
How do you use “stab” in a sentence?
Here is “stab” used in a sentence: “The victim was stabbed twice in the arm.”
What is another word for “stab”?
Words with a similar meaning to “stab” include chef, chib, ching, chive, enthrill and gore.
What part of speech is “stab”?
Depending on how it is used, “stab” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “stab” come from?
The word “stab” comes from Middle English. First recorded in Scottish English, from a Middle English word for a pointed stick or stake.
Is “stab” a common word?
“Stab” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “stab” have?
“Stab” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pierce or wound someone or something with a pointed weapon such as a knife.
What is the difference between "stab" and "stick"?
"Stab" specifically implies piercing or wounding with a pointed weapon, often with force and intent to harm, such as stabbing with a knife. "Stick" is a more general term for piercing that does not necessarily imply violence or a weapon, such as sticking a pin into fabric. "Stab" carries a stronger connotation of aggression or injury.
What does it mean to "take a stab" at something?
To "take a stab" at something means to make an informal attempt, often without certainty of success, such as "I'll take a stab at answering that question." This usage comes from the noun sense of stab meaning an attempt, not the violent verb sense. It is casual and commonly used in everyday conversation.
What is a "stab of pain"?
A "stab of pain" refers to a sudden, sharp pain, whether physical or emotional, that comes on quickly and intensely. It is often used figuratively for emotional experiences, such as "a stab of guilt" or "a stab of jealousy." The phrase draws on the suddenness and sharpness associated with a physical stabbing motion.
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