WordGarden.iostab
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈæb/
US
- /ˈstæb/
Meanings
Verb
to pierce or wound someone with a knife or other pointed object
to make quick forceful jabbing motions at something
Noun
a thrust or attack with a knife or other pointed weapon
a sudden sharp pang of pain or emotion
an attempt to do something
Beyond the definition
To stab usually means to push a sharp object, like a knife, into someone or something. But it does not always refer to physical violence. If someone "stabs you in the back," they betray you, especially after you trusted them. A sudden, sharp feeling in your body can also be called a stabbing pain. You can also "take a stab" at something, which means to give it a try. So, the word can describe injury, betrayal, pain, or an attempt.
The word "stab" most literally means to pierce or wound someone with a pointed object, like a knife or dagger. Imagine a tense scene in a movie where a character quickly thrusts a weapon—that's a stab. This is a violent act that carries serious consequences, such as when an attacker stabs a victim.
However, "stab" has expanded far beyond its physical meaning to describe betrayal or treachery. To "stab someone in the back" means to deliberately harm them by acting against their interests, especially when they trust you. It's a particularly hurtful form of deception. For example, a person might feel devastated when a business partner they trusted stabs them in the back to take all the profit.
Beyond these core meanings, "stab" can describe a sudden, sharp physical sensation. If a "stabbing pain" shoots through your knee, the word emphasizes the quick and intense nature of the discomfort. Figuratively, it can also apply to emotions; a cruel remark might be described as a "stab to the heart" or a "stab to one's pride," indicating a deep and sudden emotional wound.
In a much more casual sense, a "stab" is an attempt or a try at something. If you are not sure of the answer to a riddle but decide to guess anyway, you are "taking a stab at it." This usage turns the sharp, sudden motion of a literal stab into a quick, decisive effort to tackle a challenge, even without a guarantee of success.
So, whether it's a physical assault, an act of betrayal, a sudden pang of pain, or a brave first attempt, "stab" always implies something sharp, focused, and forceful.
Examples
- 1
Fight injury
He was stabbed in the leg during the fight.
- 2
Knife attack
The attacker tried to stab her with a kitchen knife.
- 3
Animal threat
She stabbed at the snake with a stick.
- Patternstab at + target
make quick attacking movements toward it
- 4
Sudden pain
I felt a sudden stab of pain in my side.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Guilt
She felt a stab of guilt when she saw his message.
- 6
Attempt
I'll take a stab at fixing the printer.
- Phrasetake a stab at + task
try to do it
- 7
Guess
It's just a stab in the dark, but I think they moved to Boston.
- Phrasea stab in the dark
a guess with very little information
- 8
Betrayal
His resignation felt like a stab in the back.
- Phrasea stab in the back
a betrayal by someone you trusted
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- stabnounverb
Forms
- stabbedpast tenseverbnoun
- stabbing-ing formverbnoun
- stabspluralnounverb