spear

/spɪər/

/spɪə/

Other forms: spears; speared; spearing

A spear consists of a long shaft that has a sharp point at one end. You might use one to go spear fishing, but that's about it. Spears are no longer the weapon of choice.

Spear also refers to the action of impaling something or someone with a spear. “Odysseus blinded the Cyclops by jamming a huge spear into its eye.” In addition to the long-shafted, pointy spear that people throw, spear is the name for the sprout of a plant. In the vegetable world, separate stalks of asparagus are called spears.

Definitions of spear

1. noun

   a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon
   synonyms: lance, shaft

   types:

   assagai, assegai

   the slender spear of the Bantu-speaking people of Africa

   javelin

   a spear thrown as a weapon or in competitive field events

   trident

   a spear with three prongs

   type of:

   arm, weapon, weapon system

   any instrument or instrumentality used in fighting or hunting
2. noun

   an implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish
   synonyms: fishgig, fizgig, gig, lance

   types:

   harpoon

   a spear with a shaft and barbed point for throwing; used for catching large fish or whales; a strong line is attached to it

   leister

   a spear with three or more prongs; used for spearing fish (especially salmon)

   type of:

   implement

   instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end
3. verb

   pierce with a spear
   “spear fish”

   type of:

   empale, impale, spike, transfix

   pierce with a sharp stake or point
4. verb

   thrust up like a spear
   “The branch speared up into the air”

   synonyms: spear up

   type of:

   jut, jut out, project, protrude, stick out

   extend out or project in space