Prick: meaning, definitions and examples

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prick

 

[prɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

injury

A small hole that is made in something, especially with a sharp point

Synonyms

piercing, puncture, stab.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prick

Appropriate for minor, sharp pain or making a small hole, often with a needle or a thorn.

  • She felt a prick when the nurse inserted the needle
  • Be careful of the roses; they can prick your fingers
puncture

Best for describing the act of making a hole through something or referring to a small hole itself, often through pressure or force.

  • The tire had a puncture from a sharp rock
  • Be careful not to puncture the package; it could leak
piercing

Used for something that penetrates deeply, including intense emotions or sounds. Can also describe body modifications, like ear piercings.

  • She felt a piercing gaze from across the room
  • The baby's piercing cry woke everyone up
  • He has a new piercing in his ear
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.

  • He was stabbed during the altercation
  • She felt a stab of betrayal when she heard the news

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.
Context #2 | Noun

emotion

A feeling of slight pain or discomfort, both physical and emotional

Synonyms

pinch, sting, twinge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
prick

Describes a quick, sharp sensation, often from a small pointed object.

  • I got a prick from the cactus plant
  • The doctor pricked my finger to get a blood sample
twinge

Used to describe a sudden, sharp pain, often short-lived and might be emotional or physical.

  • I felt a twinge in my knee while running
  • There was a twinge of jealousy when I saw them together
sting

Associated with a sharp, burning pain often caused by insects, plants, or some specific sensations and emotions.

  • The bee sting hurt a lot
  • His harsh words left a sting in my heart
pinch

Typically describes a gripping action that causes temporary pain, usually between two fingers or an object and the skin.

  • He gave me a pinch to wake me up
  • The tight shoes pinched my toes

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.
Context #3 | Verb

poke

To make a small hole in something, usually with a sharp point

Synonyms

jab, pierce, poke.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • I felt a small prick on my finger when I touched the cactus
  • He's such a prick, always making rude comments
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.

  • She had her ears pierced last week
  • His words pierced my heart
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.

  • She gave him a jab in the ribs with her elbow
  • He received a jab in the arm during his vaccination
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.

  • He playfully poked his friend in the side
  • Stop poking the dough, it's not ready yet

Examples of usage

  • He used a pin to prick the balloon and make it burst.
  • She pricked her finger with a needle while sewing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word has roots in Old English, where it was used to describe a sharp point.
  • Over time, it evolved from describing both actions and sensations related to sharp objects.
  • Related words in other languages, like 'spike' in German, share a similar connotation.

Cultural References

  • The term is used colloquially for irritation or trouble, as in 'what a prickly situation'.
  • In literature, it often symbolizes danger or discomfort, represented by thorns or sharp objects.
  • In modern slang, it can have derogatory meanings, impacting social interactions.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a prick can evoke a sudden reflex response, highlighting the body's sensitivity to pain.
  • Emotions can mirror physical sensations, leading to expressions like feeling 'prickled' when offended.
  • The fear of needles, or trypanophobia, showcases a psychological response to the concept of 'prick'.

Science

  • Needles that prick the skin are crucial in medical settings for vaccinations and blood tests.
  • In botany, plants with needles or thorns serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
  • The sensation of a prick can be explained by the body's nerve responses, which send signals to the brain.

Literature

  • In poetry, the imagery of a prick is often used to evoke strong feelings like pain or betrayal.
  • Shakespeare employed the sense of prick in works, utilizing it to convey both physical and emotional sensations.
  • Modern authors explore the theme of sharpness not just physically, but also in character relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "prick" in other languages:

🇵🇹 picar

🇮🇳 चुभन

🇩🇪 stechen

🇮🇩 menusuk

🇺🇦 колоти

🇵🇱 kłuć

🇯🇵 刺す (sasu)

🇫🇷 piquer

🇪🇸 pinchar

🇹🇷 delmek

🇰🇷 찌르다 (jjireuda)

🇸🇦 وخز (wakhz)

🇨🇿 píchnout

🇸🇰 pichnúť

🇨🇳 刺 (cì)

🇸🇮 zabosti

🇮🇸 stinga

🇰🇿 шаншу

🇬🇪 ჩხვლეტა (chkhvleta)

🇦🇿 batırmaq

🇲🇽 pinchar

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.