Barbed: meaning, definitions and examples

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barbed

[ˈbɑːbd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

wire

Having sharp points or edges that stick out and are used for catching on things or cutting something.

Synonyms

pointed, prickly, sharp, spiked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barbed	Used to describe something with sharp points or edges designed to hurt or cause discomfort. Often used in the context of barbed wire or barbed comments that are meant to hurt emotionally. The barbed wire around the prison was difficult to cross His barbed comments left her feeling hurt
spiked	Typically used to describe an object with multiple sharp points or something that has been mixed with alcohol or drugs without the person's knowledge. The spiked fence made it hard to get over Be careful, someone might have spiked your drink at the party
prickly	Used to describe something or someone with small, sharp points, or someone who is easily annoyed or difficult to deal with. The cactus is a prickly plant She has a prickly personality and gets irritated easily
pointed	Often used to describe comments or remarks that are direct and meant to be noticed, and can sometimes be hurtful. Also used to describe objects that have a sharp end. She made a pointed remark about his lateness The pencil has a pointed tip, perfect for sketching
sharp	Commonly used to describe objects with a thin edge or point that can cut or pierce. Also used to describe a keen intellect or a severe pain. The knife has a very sharp blade He has a sharp mind and solves problems quickly

Examples of usage

The fence was topped with barbed wire to prevent intruders.
The barbed hook caught the fish easily.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

comment

To make a comment or remark that is critical and hurtful to someone.

Synonyms

jab, mock, ridicule, taunt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
barbed	Use 'barbed' when describing a comment or remark that is sharp and meant to hurt someone's feelings. She made a barbed comment about his work. His barbed wit often leaves others feeling insulted.
mock	Use 'mock' when imitating someone or something in a disparaging way, often to make fun of them. The children would mock their teacher behind her back. He mocked her accent to get a laugh from the crowd.
taunt	Use 'taunt' when provoking or challenging someone with insulting remarks, usually with the intention of bothering or upsetting them. The bully would taunt the smaller children during recess. His teammates taunted him after he missed the crucial shot.
jab	Use 'jab' to refer to a quick or sudden verbal or physical attack, often in the form of a short, sarcastic comment. He couldn't resist a jab at his rival during the debate. Her jab about my outfit wasn't appreciated.
ridicule	Use 'ridicule' to talk about making someone the subject of laughter or scorn to show disrespect or contempt. The students ridiculed the new kid for his unusual name. Public figures are often ridiculed in the media.

Examples of usage

She barbed her co-worker's presentation with sarcastic comments.
He barbed his ex-girlfriend's Instagram post.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'barbed' comes from the Latin 'barba', meaning 'beard', referring to the projection of sharp points that resemble a beard.
It was first recorded in English in the late 15th century, used mainly to describe the points on an arrow or fish hook.
The use of 'barbed' has expanded over time, now describing anything with sharp projections.

Technology

Barbed wire was invented in the 1860s and became crucial for fencing farms and keeping livestock contained.
In modern agriculture, barbed wire is often used for security and to deter wild animals from entering farmland.
Some companies are now using barbed designs in innovative ways, like in security systems that dissuade intruders.

Literature

In poetry, 'barbed' often symbolizes pain or difficulty, conveying strong emotional messages.
Authors use barbed metaphors to describe characters with sharp tongues or harsh words, illustrating their personalities.
The term can be found in literature to describe relationships that are prickly or conflict-laden.

Biology

Many species of fish, like catfish, have barbed spines that serve as a defense mechanism against predators.
Certain plants, like thorns on roses or cacti, have evolved barbed structures to protect themselves from herbivores.
The barbed structure of some animal claws helps them grip their prey more easily.

Pop Culture

In movies, barbed wire often represents danger or confinement, enhancing thriller or horror themes.
The character of Wolverine from the X-Men series embodies a barbed nature with his retractable, sharp claws and fierce attitude.
Songs sometimes use 'barbed' to describe biting lyrics that critique society or personal relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "barbed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 farpado

🇮🇳 कांटेदार

🇩🇪 stachelig

🇮🇩 berduri

🇺🇦 колючий

🇵🇱 kolczasty

🇯🇵 トゲのある

🇫🇷 barbelé

🇪🇸 con púas

🇹🇷 dikenli

🇰🇷 가시가 있는

🇸🇦 شائك

🇨🇿 trnitý

🇸🇰 tŕnistý

🇨🇳 带刺的

🇸🇮 trnat

🇮🇸 þyrnóttur

🇰🇿 тікенекті

🇬🇪 ეკლიანიანი

🇦🇿 tikanlı

🇲🇽 con púas

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,954, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14951 zoo
14952 trainee
14953 emulate
14954 barbed
14955 nominees
14956 aeroplane
14957 nomadic
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