Stinging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stinging

[หˆstษชล‹ษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Causing a sharp, tingling, or burning sensation.

Synonyms

burning, sharp, tingling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stinging

This word is often used to describe a quick, intensely painful sensation, often associated with insect bites, cuts, or harsh chemical reactions.

  • The stinging sensation from the jellyfish sting was unbearable.
  • I felt a stinging pain when I poured alcohol on the cut.
sharp

Sharp is used to describe a sudden, piercing pain, often associated with cuts, punctures, or certain types of muscle spasms. It can also describe mental acuity or keen perception.

  • The sharp pain in my side made it hard to breathe.
  • Her sharp wit always kept everyone on their toes.
tingling

Tingling is used to describe a light, prickly sensation, often associated with numbness, excitement, or anticipation.

  • My hand started tingling after I sat on it for too long.
  • She felt a tingling excitement as she prepared to go on stage.
burning

Burning is used to describe a hot, painful sensation, like that experienced in a burn or excessive heat exposure. It can also be used metaphorically to describe intense emotion.

  • After touching the hot pan, I felt a burning sensation on my fingers.
  • His burning desire for revenge led him to do things he never imagined.

Examples of usage

  • The stinging pain of a bee sting.
  • She felt a stinging sensation on her skin after touching the nettle plant.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To cause a sharp, tingling, or burning sensation.

Synonyms

hurt, pierce, wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stinging

Used when describing a sharp, burning pain, often caused by something minor like an insect bite or a small cut.

  • The stinging sensation from the bee sting made her wince.
  • He couldn't bear the stinging pain of the antiseptic on his cut.
hurt

A general term for experiencing pain, whether physical or emotional. Can be used in both serious and minor scenarios.

  • My knee hurts after I fell down the stairs.
  • She was hurt by his harsh words.
wound

Refers to an injury involving a break in the skin, often serious or in a medical context. Can also describe emotional damage, often in a literary or formal manner.

  • The soldier received a wound during the battle.
  • Time can heal many emotional wounds.
pierce

Used when something sharp goes through or into something. Often refers to physical penetration with a pointed object.

  • The needle will pierce the fabric easily.
  • A sharp wind seemed to pierce through his thick coat.

Examples of usage

  • The cold wind stung her cheeks.
  • The harsh words stung his heart.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Many animals, like bees and jellyfish, use stinging as a defense mechanism to protect themselves.
  • The venom produced by some creatures can cause various reactions, from mild irritation to severe allergic responses in humans.

Cultural References

  • In literature, stinging often symbolizes emotional pain, such as heartbreak or loss, enhancing the reader's empathy.
  • In music, the phrase 'stinging pain' is often used to describe intense emotional experiences in songs.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a stinging sensation can trigger a fight-or-flight response in our brains, preparing us to react quickly to threats.
  • The emotional 'sting' related to feelings of rejection or hurt can linger, impacting our mental health and self-esteem.

Folklore

  • In various cultures, there are folk remedies involving plants that are said to alleviate the sting from insect bites, showing natureโ€™s role in healing.
  • Some traditional stories refer to creatures that 'sting' as symbols of treachery or warning, teaching moral lessons to children.

Origin of 'stinging'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sting' comes from the Old English 'stingan', which means to pierce or poke.
  • Interestingly, 'sting' has been part of the English language since the 12th century, showing how long we've understood this feeling.

The word 'stinging' is derived from the Old English word 'stingan', which means 'to pierce or stab'. Over time, the meaning has evolved to include the sharp, tingling sensation we associate with the word today. The use of 'stinging' in both adjective and verb forms can be traced back to Middle English and has been in common usage ever since.


See also: sting, stingy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,778, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.