stab

transitive-verb
UK: /stæb/
US: /stæb/

  1. To push a sharp, pointed object into someone or something.

    1. He tried to stab his attacker with a knife. [ ] [ ]
    2. The robber threatened to stab him if he didn't hand over his wallet. [ ] [ ]

  2. To injure someone with a sharp, pointed object.

    1. She was stabbed in the street last night. [ ] [ ]
    2. The victim was stabbed multiple times and required emergency surgery. [ ] [ ]

  3. To direct a sharp look or comment at someone.

    1. She stabbed a finger at him, accusing him of lying. [ ] [ ]
    2. His words felt like a stab in the back, considering our friendship. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

pang try attempt puncture pierce thrust wound
stab intransitive-verb

  1. To make a thrusting motion with a pointed object.

    1. He began to stab wildly at the air. [ ] [ ]
    2. The actor practiced how to stab convincingly during the sword fight scene. [ ] [ ]
stab noun

  1. A wound caused by a pointed object.

    1. He had a stab wound in his arm. [ ] [ ]
    2. The doctor examined the stab wound carefully, noting its depth. [ ] [ ]

  2. A sudden, sharp feeling or pain.

    1. I felt a stab of pain in my side. [ ] [ ]
    2. She felt a stab of jealousy when she saw him with another woman. [ ] [ ]

  3. An attempt to do something.

    1. I'll have a stab at fixing the car. [ ] [ ]
    2. He decided to take a stab at writing a novel during his vacation. [ ] [ ]
stab phrasal-verb

  1. To try something.

    1. Let's stab at fixing this old TV. [ ] [ ]
    2. I'll stab at an answer, even if I'm not sure. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "stab" in English means: To push a sharp, pointed object into someone or something., To injure someone with a sharp, pointed object., To direct a sharp look or comment at someone..

The phonetic transcription of "stab" is /stæb/ in British English and /stæb/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "stab": pang, try, attempt, puncture, pierce, thrust, wound.

Example usage of "stab": "He tried to stab his attacker with a knife.". More examples on the page.