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Pricked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pricked

[prɪkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Pricked is the past tense of prick, which means to puncture or make a small hole in something with a sharp object. This action often results in a quick, sharp sensation.

Synonyms

pierced, punctured, stabbed.

Examples of usage

  • She pricked her finger with a needle.
  • He pricked the balloon with a pin.
  • The rose bush pricked my arm.
  • I accidentally pricked my skin while cooking.
  • The thorns pricked her hand as she reached for the flower.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'pricked' often symbolizes a moment of realization or awakening, similar to a sudden sting that brings one to attention.
  • Famous poets like John Keats used 'pricked' in their works to convey deep emotional experiences, signifying pain or awareness.

Psychology

  • According to psychological studies, feeling 'pricked' can evoke a strong emotional response that enhances memory retention, linking physical sensations to mental states.
  • The act of pricking oneself can be a metaphor for self-awareness, where a person realizes uncomfortable truths about themselves.

Cultural References

  • In various cultures, being 'pricked' by a thorn is often seen as an omen or a warning, reflecting the idea of pain leading to personal growth.
  • Folklore often features pricked fingers, such as in the tale of Sleeping Beauty, representing a moment of crucial fate.
  • In some traditions, people believe that 'pricking' on certain days will bring both good and bad luck.

Science

  • From a scientific perspective, 'pricking' can refer to medical procedures, such as blood glucose testing in diabetes management.
  • The concept of pricking is also studied in pain perception, where sharp stimuli are compared to dull aches in understanding how we experience pain.

Origin of 'pricked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pricked' comes from the Old English term 'prician,' meaning to pierce or poke.
  • It is related to words in other Germanic languages that also suggest a sharp action, like 'preck' in Middle Dutch.

The word 'prick' originates from the Old English 'pric(c)', which meant 'to pierce or penetrate'. This term has Germanic roots, closely related to similar words in German and Dutch. Over centuries, 'prick' has maintained its connotation of small punctures and has evolved to encompass different meanings in various contexts. In addition to its physical sense, 'prick' has also acquired derogatory meanings in modern usage, often referring to someone's character or behavior in a negative light. Despite the shift in application, the core idea of a sharp point remains integral to its linguistic lineage.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,352, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.