Stab: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.