Prick: meaning, definitions and examples
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prick
[ prɪk ]
injury
A small hole that is made in something, especially with a sharp point
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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prick |
Appropriate for minor, sharp pain or making a small hole, often with a needle or a thorn.
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puncture |
Best for describing the act of making a hole through something or referring to a small hole itself, often through pressure or force.
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piercing |
Used for something that penetrates deeply, including intense emotions or sounds. Can also describe body modifications, like ear piercings.
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stab |
Typically used for a forceful or violent thrust, often with a knife or other sharp object. It carries a negative connotation, especially in violent contexts.
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Examples of usage
- They felt the prick of the thorns as they pushed their way through the bushes.
- He felt a sharp prick in his finger as he picked up the broken glass.
emotion
A feeling of slight pain or discomfort, both physical and emotional
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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prick |
Describes a quick, sharp sensation, often from a small pointed object.
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twinge |
Used to describe a sudden, sharp pain, often short-lived and might be emotional or physical.
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sting |
Associated with a sharp, burning pain often caused by insects, plants, or some specific sensations and emotions.
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pinch |
Typically describes a gripping action that causes temporary pain, usually between two fingers or an object and the skin.
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Examples of usage
- She felt a prick of guilt as she realized she had forgotten her friend's birthday.
- He couldn't help but feel a prick of jealousy when he saw his ex with someone new.
poke
To make a small hole in something, usually with a sharp point
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
prick |
This term is often used to describe a small, sharp puncture, usually by something like a needle or thorn. It can have a negative connotation when used to describe a person as unpleasant or irritating.
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pierce |
Use this term when describing the act of going through something with a sharp object, making a hole. It can be used metaphorically to describe something emotionally impactful.
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jab |
This word is commonly used in informal situations to describe quickly pushing something sharp, like a needle or finger. It can also refer to a quick punch in sports like boxing.
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poke |
This term is often used in everyday language to describe touching someone or something lightly with your finger or a pointed object, generally not causing a puncture. It can also have a lighthearted or playful connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He used a pin to prick the balloon and make it burst.
- She pricked her finger with a needle while sewing.
Translations
Translations of the word "prick" in other languages:
🇵🇹 picar
- furar
- picada
🇮🇳 चुभन
- काँटा
- चुभाना
🇩🇪 stechen
🇮🇩 menusuk
🇺🇦 колоти
- укол
- прокол
🇵🇱 kłuć
- ukłucie
- nakłucie
🇯🇵 刺す (sasu)
🇫🇷 piquer
🇪🇸 pinchar
🇹🇷 delmek
- iğneleme
- batırmak
🇰🇷 찌르다 (jjireuda)
🇸🇦 وخز (wakhz)
🇨🇿 píchnout
🇸🇰 pichnúť
🇨🇳 刺 (cì)
🇸🇮 zabosti
🇮🇸 stinga
🇰🇿 шаншу
🇬🇪 ჩხვლეტა (chkhvleta)
🇦🇿 batırmaq
🇲🇽 pinchar
Etymology
The word 'prick' has Old English origins and was originally used to refer to a sharp point or puncture. Over time, it evolved to also represent a feeling of slight pain or discomfort, both physical and emotional. The verb form of 'prick' emerged to describe the act of making a small hole with a sharp point. The word has maintained its core meanings throughout history, with slight variations in usage.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #16,835, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
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- 16832 micrometer
- 16833 evaded
- 16834 phoned
- 16835 prick
- 16836 deferral
- 16837 unchanging
- 16838 vagueness
- ...