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Stab Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stab

[stæb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

violent act

To stab means to thrust a knife or other pointed weapon into someone or something. It is a sudden and forceful action that can cause injury or death.

Synonyms

jab, pierce, thrust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stab

Use 'stab' when referring to a quick, forceful action of sticking a pointed object, usually a knife, into something or someone. It often carries a violent and negative connotation.

  • He was stabbed in the back during a robbery.
  • She tried to stab the intruder to protect herself.
pierce

Use 'pierce' when describing the action of making a hole or puncturing through something, often with some force and intent. This can be neutral and commonly used for everyday contexts where small holes are made.

  • Her ears were pierced when she was a baby.
  • The arrow pierced the target with ease.
thrust

Use 'thrust' when talking about pushing something or someone forward with force. This term is broader and can be used in more contexts beyond just stabbing, such as pushing or propelling objects or people.

  • He thrust the spear into the ground forcefully.
  • She thrust the heavy door open and hurried inside.
jab

Use 'jab' for a quick, sharp poke with a pointed object, often for less severe or medical situations. It can be used in both neutral and slightly negative contexts.

  • I got a jab in the arm during the vaccination.
  • The child jabbed his finger into the dough.

Examples of usage

  • He stabbed the robber in self-defense.
  • The assassin stabbed the victim in the back.
Context #2 | Noun

wound

A stab is a wound caused by a sharp object such as a knife or a dagger. It can be a deep or superficial injury depending on the force and depth of the penetration.

Synonyms

cut, incision, puncture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stab

When you want to describe a forceful and quick thrust, often with a sharp object, typically to cause harm or in a defensive act. It has a negative connotation because it implies violence or aggression.

  • He was stabbed during the altercation.
  • The thief tried to stab the officer with a knife.
puncture

Describes a small, precise hole made by a sharp object. This word is often used in medical or technical contexts and can be neutral or negative.

  • The nurse needed to puncture the skin to draw blood.
  • A nail punctured my car tire on the way home.
cut

Used to describe slicing or dividing something with a sharp tool such as a knife or scissors. It can be neutral or negative depending on the situation.

  • She cut the vegetables for the stew.
  • I accidentally cut my finger while chopping onions.
incision

Typically used in medical or surgical contexts to describe a precise and often deliberate cut made by a surgeon or medical professional.

  • The surgeon made a small incision to remove the appendix.
  • The surgical incision healed faster than expected.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor treated the stab wound on the patient's abdomen.
  • She suffered a stab to the shoulder during the altercation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar', the act of stabbing represents betrayal as friends turned enemies attack Caesar.
  • The phrase 'to stab in the back' symbolizes treachery and deceit, frequently used in literature to depict betrayal.
  • In many classic stories, a sudden stab is often a turning point in the plot, creating tension and drama.

Psychology

  • Acts of stabbing can be associated with sudden bursts of anger or emotional distress, reflecting deeper psychological conflicts.
  • In fiction, such acts are often used as dramatic tools to explore themes of violence and human emotions.
  • Research suggests that people may express feelings of powerlessness through aggressive actions, highlighting a psychological aspect.

Pop Culture

  • Stabbings are frequently depicted in crime films and thrillers, emphasizing suspense and action.
  • In video games, characters often stab as a combat move, reflecting strategies in conflict scenarios.
  • Popular TV shows often feature intricate plots revolving around betrayal, where a stabbing scene can signify a critical plot twist.

Safety and Crime

  • Stabbing incidents raise discussions on public safety and often lead to community responses to violence.
  • Law enforcement and social programs focus on preventing knife-related crime through education and intervention.
  • Many cities see initiatives promoting conflict resolution as alternatives to violence, hoping to reduce incidents of stabbings.

Origin of 'stab'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stab' comes from Old Norse 'staf', meaning a 'stick' or 'staff', indicating a sharp action.
  • It was first used in the late 14th century to describe a thrust or poke with a weapon.
  • The term has evolved over centuries to encompass various meanings, both physical and metaphorical.

The word 'stab' has origins in Old English 'stæbb', which meant 'a thrust with a pointed object'. Over time, it has retained its core meaning of a sudden and forceful piercing action. Stabbing has been a common method of attack throughout history, often associated with violence and crime. The word has evolved to encompass both the act of stabbing and the resulting wound.

See also: backstab.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,150, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.