stab

/stæb/

/stæb/

Other forms: stabbed; stabbing; stabs

To stab is to thrust or jab something sharp, the way you stab your sandwich with a toothpick or the way Brutus (and others) stab Julius Caesar in Shakespeare's play.

You can stab at the soil in your garden with a trowel or stab the steak on your plate with a fork. You might then experience a stab (or sharp feeling) of regret, wondering if you should become a vegetarian. When you "take a stab at something," you attempt it: "I decided to take a stab at opera singing." Stab comes from the Scottish stob, "to pierce."

Definitions of stab

1. verb

   poke or thrust abruptly
   synonyms: dig, jab, poke, prod

   type of:

   thrust

   push forcefully
2. verb

   stab or pierce
   synonyms: jab

   types:

   goad, prick

   stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick

   type of:

   thrust

   push forcefully
3. verb

   use a knife on
   synonyms: knife

   types:

   poniard

   stab with a poniard

   bayonet

   stab or kill someone with a bayonet

   type of:

   injure, wound

   cause injuries or bodily harm to
4. noun

   a strong blow with a knife or other sharp pointed instrument
   synonyms: knife thrust, thrust

   types:

   lunge, passado, straight thrust

   (fencing) an attacking thrust made with one foot forward and the back leg straight and with the sword arm outstretched forward

   remise

   (fencing) a second thrust made on the same lunge (as when your opponent fails to riposte)

   type of:

   blow, buffet

   a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon
5. noun

   a sudden sharp feeling
   “she felt a stab of excitement”

   synonyms: pang, twinge

   types:

   guilt pang

   pangs of feeling guilty

   type of:

   feeling

   the experiencing of affective and emotional states
6. noun

   informal words for any attempt or effort
   “he took a stab at forecasting”

   synonyms: shot

   type of:

   attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try

   earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something