Stab: meaning, definitions and examples

🔪

Add to dictionary

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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "stab" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esfaquear

apunhalar
atacar

🇮🇳 छुरा घोंपना

🇩🇪 erstechen

stechen
angreifen

🇮🇩 menikam

menusuk
menyerang

🇺🇦 вдарити ножем

штрикнути
нападати

🇵🇱 dźgnąć

pchnąć nożem
atakować

🇯🇵 刺す (さす)

突き刺す (つきさす)
攻撃する (こうげきする)

🇫🇷 poignarder

planter
attaquer

🇪🇸 apuñalar

🇹🇷 bıçaklamak

saplamak
saldırmak

🇰🇷 찌르다

🇸🇦 طعن

🇨🇿 bodnout

🇸🇰 bodnúť

🇨🇳 刺 (cì)

🇸🇮 zabosti

🇮🇸 stinga

🇰🇿 пышақтау

🇬🇪 დაჭრა

🇦🇿 bıçaqlamaq

🇲🇽 apuñalar

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.

...
15147 cheated
15148 offsetting
15149 flatly
15150 stab
15151 nitrite
15152 benefactor
15153 shrunk
...